The Venice Simplon-Orient Express, A Belmond Train, Europe has just unveiled the opulent interiors of its newest addition: L’Observatoire, a sleeper carriage meticulously designed by world-renowned artist JR. Set to join the train in March 2025, L’Observatoire is the first carriage to be designed by an artist and is poised to become the most exclusive and spacious accommodation type aboard the historic train.
L’Observatoire is not just a carriage—it’s a mobile masterpiece that honors the train’s rich legacy of craftsmanship while reimagining it through a contemporary lens. Drawing inspiration from astronomical observatories and the Renaissance era’s cabinet of curiosities, JR has transformed the space into a “studio on wheels,” complete with his personal objets d’art scattered throughout. Each detail invites guests to embark on a sensory and intellectual journey, offering an immersive experience that sparks curiosity, introspection, and wonder.
JR’s reimagining of L’Observatoire stays true to the train’s Art Deco heritage while pushing the boundaries of artistic storytelling. Collaborating with Atelier Philippe Allemand—whose team has worked on the train’s marquetry since 1997—JR introduced new motifs that reflect his urban aesthetic. Notably, one scene depicts a cityscape with JR himself perched on a rooftop, a nod to his iconic use of public spaces as his artistic canvas.
Micro-Environments Within the Carriage
L’Observatoire’s interiors are a collection of micro-environments that seamlessly flow together, each evoking a different theme. The journey begins in the bedroom, which features a free-standing bathtub enveloped in green leather scalloping reminiscent of leaves, evoking the feeling of being surrounded by nature. This arboreal motif extends across the room, blending seamlessly with the stained-glass windows that depict surreal landscapes inspired by JR’s artistic vision.
The adjoining bathroom features green Carrara marble and stained-glass windows that reinterpret typical Venice Simplon-Orient-Express vistas. A ladder forms the tree trunk, while the foliage transforms into JR’s signature eye motif—an imaginative twist that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
Guests will then find themselves in a lounge area designed for socializing and entertaining. The bespoke couches can be rearranged to create a private dining space for up to five guests. With rounded furniture to counterbalance the carriage’s linear shape, JR has crafted a cozy environment that feels both intimate and grand. A cocoon-like daybed positioned at window level allows for a meditative connection to the passing landscapes.
Hidden behind a secret door in the lounge is L’Observatoire’s most magical feature: the Tea Room. Here, guests will find an enchanting miniature train installation paired with a short film created by JR. Miniatures of his iconic Giants series—such as “Giants, Rising Up, 2023” and “Giants, Kikito, 2017”—are displayed amidst a curated selection of books, offering a whimsical element that encourages exploration and discovery.
Scheduled to launch in March 2025, L’Observatoire will include all meals, a sommelier’s choice of wine, unlimited soft drinks, 24-hour butler service, private in-cabin dining, transfers to and from the train, and a few special surprise touches from JR. This new addition to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express promises to redefine the art of luxury train travel, offering a journey that is as much about introspection and discovery as it is about the destination.
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