The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe remakes history by bringing L’Observatoire – a private and exclusive sleeper carriage designed by leading artist JR – to Venice for a one-of-a-kind project reveal.
Between 17 and 22 April 2024 the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will give the public the unique opportunity to peek inside this historic carriage through several viewpoints located on its windows and discover JR’s design unfolding through different environments including a bedroom, an ensuite bathroom, lounge area, library, and secret tearoom. Hidden clues and secret details are layered within the intricate marquetry and evocative spaces, to drive curiosity and instill a sense of imagination in the viewers.
A key milestone for the history of this legendary train, this new sleeper carriage will become the most spacious accommodation on board, and it will provide guests with an immersive experience in motion as they crisscross Europe on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The visionary James B. Sherwood founded Belmond in 1976 with the acquisition of Venice landmark property, Hotel Cipriani. The following year, to accomplish his ambition to bring back to life the ‘golden age of travel’ with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, he acquired two original sleeper carriages at a Sotheby’s auction in Monte Carlo.
After collecting and meticulously restoring 17 carriages, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operated its first trip to Venice in May 1982. The arrival of the iconic train in the lagoon was marked by a glamorous party at the Hotel Cipriani, where two carriages were docked and displayed in front of St Mark’s Square for Venetians and visitors to admire.
Now, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brings to Venice L’Observatoire by JR, 42 years after Mr Sherwood showcased the Étoile du Nord dining car and one of the sleeper carriages in the lagoon. L’Observatoire will join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in 2025.