Artwork in Motion
December 2024
Belmond Unveils L’Observatoire Sleeper Carriage
Story courtesy of Belmond | Photography courtesy of Belmond x JR
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train with routes through Europe, proudly unveils the interiors of L’Observatoire by world-renowned artist JR. This is the first carriage designed by an artist on board and the most exclusive and spacious accommodation type on the train.
Scheduled to join the rake in March 2025, L’Observatoire is an artwork in motion that pays tribute to the train’s rich history of timeless crafts. Drawing inspiration from astronomical observatories and Renaissance Europe’s cabinet of curiosity, the sleeper carriage has been meticulously curated by JR, who has replicated the spirit of his Parisian art studio with personal objets d’art or keepsakes to be uncovered throughout the “studio on wheels.” In the most outstanding accommodation on rails, JR invites guests to immerse themselves in a world that ignites curiosity, a sense of adventure, and introspection.
An Icon of Art Deco, Reimagined
Known for pushing the boundaries of storytelling through art, JR applies this practice in his curation of L’Observatoire. A critical design component of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the marquetry, which JR reimagined alongside Atelier Philippe Allemand, who brings long-standing knowledge of the legendary train to the project, having worked on its marquetry since 1997. Collaboratively, they have created new motifs featured throughout the carriage, such as an urban cityscape with JR standing on a rooftop, connecting him with his most common canvas, the city streets.
Filled with hidden touchpoints designed to surprise and delight guests, L’Observatoire is an invitation to contemplate the stunning rolling landscapes and rich interiors that spark curiosity and a sense of wonder, reconnecting guests with their inner child. Many remain a mystery, while others will be uncovered over the course of the journey; these personal touches offer guests a glimpse into the artist’s world, inviting them to explore JR’s creative mind while journeying on the world’s most iconic train. Experiencing L’Observatoire means a physical and an imaginary journey, as guests will delve into a living gallery created by one of today’s leading visionary artists.
Filled with hidden touchpoints designed to surprise and delight guests, L’Observatoire is an invitation to contemplate the stunning rolling landscapes and rich interiors that spark curiosity and a sense of wonder, reconnecting guests with their inner child.
The carriage interiors flow through several micro-environments, from the bedroom featuring a freestanding bathtub, the adjoining bathroom, a lounge, a library, and a hidden Tea Room. With astronomy at the heart of the design inspiration, two oculi have been added to the bedroom and the Tea Room ceilings, creating a sense of wonder as guests gaze at the sky and the train trundles through Europe. Inspired by camera lenses, the oculus-shaped skylights use wood pieces that rotate to open and close, showcasing exceptional detail and craftsmanship. The bedroom is enveloped in green leather scalloping that resembles leaves, bringing the natural landscapes into the carriage. Evoking an arboreal feel, the scales continue across the double bed and freestanding bathtub as if forming a canopy mirroring the stained-glass art. The latter lavishly envelops the freestanding bedroom bathtub, a surprising addition to the carriage, with custom-made leaf patterns inspired by the nineteenth-century art nouveau movement. Green Carrara marble defines the bathing area. Here, stained-glass expert Michael Mayer depicts a typical Venice Simplon-Orient-Express landscape with a twist of imagination by JR. In this surrealist image, the tree trunk is a ladder and its foliage is covered in the artist’s signature eyes.
Original photographs from JR’s travels adorn the hallway, accompanying guests as they walk in a living gallery.
In the lounge, bespoke couches allow for flexible arrangements; travelers can reconfigure the space into a private dining area accommodating up to five people, enabling them to invite guests. JR’s choice of rounded furniture pieces aims to break up the carriage’s rectangular shape, instead accentuating the natural curves of the space. A cocoon-like day bed at window level allows travelers to immerse themselves in the passing landscape and embrace the art of slow travel.
For those who enjoy traveling to other worlds through literature and music, the carriage is home to a library stocked with books by publishers Gallimard, Penguin, and the Adelphi collection, as well as a curated selection of vinyl records for a glimpse into the cultural references that inspire JR.
Hidden behind the library and accessed via a secret door is L’Observatoire’s Tea Room, where an enchanting miniature train installation showcases an intriguing short film. While sitting comfortably in front of the fireplace among the books, guests will discover miniatures of JR’s notable Giants series, including Giants, Rising Up (2023) and Giants, Kikito (2017). This adds another layer of enchantment to the sleeper carriage, encouraging guests to engage with their surroundings on a more intimate level.
Proud Custodians of Timeless Crafts
L’Observatoire’s interiors are a testament to the exceptional artisans who’ve worked on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express throughout the years and have brought JR’s vision to life. These craftspeople have evolved into patrons, working tirelessly to preserve the train’s intricate heritage. One of these is world-acclaimed marquetry master Philippe Allemand, who specializes in blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Intended as an ‘artwork in motion,’ L’Observatoire will offer an unparalleled blend of art, luxury, and immersive storytelling.
“The carriages have traveled through countless decades and eras—so I wanted to find a new way to approach them, maintaining the connection to this deep story,” says JR. “Both my work and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are very artisanal, so L’Observatoire felt like a natural fit. Working with artisans, choosing woods and materials, and discovering motifs was not a constraint because I am interested in making this a timeless artwork—as if I were an artist from the 1920s. I have added some features that are only possible in the twenty-first century, but the fundamental craft is timeless.”
Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond, says, “Intended as an ‘artwork in motion,’ L’Observatoire will offer an unparalleled blend of art, luxury, and immersive storytelling. JR’s thoughtful integration of exceptional craftsmanship is evident throughout, resulting in a truly unique and transformative travel experience. Alongside our pre-existing room categories—Historical, Suite, and Grand Suite—this launch underscores Belmond’s commitment to perpetuating the art of slow luxury.”
L’Observatoire will join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in March 2025. The stay will include all meals with a sommelier’s choice of wine and unlimited soft drinks, twenty-four-hour butler service, private in-cabin dining, transfers to and from the train, bespoke amenities, and special surprise touches from JR.
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L’Observatoire is now open for bookings. Please visit Belmond.com to contact the reservations team. Follow the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on Instagram @vsoetrain.
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