Venice Simplon-Orient-Express l’Observatoire Private Carriage

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Venice Simplon-Orient-Express l’Observatoire Private Carriage

We are delighted to share an incredible new chapter in the history of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with the official launch of a private and exclusive sleeper carriage - l’Observatoire- with interiors conceptualised and designed by leading artist JR.

This private carriage will be revealed for the first-time at Biennale Arte in Venice between the 17 and 22 April 2024. Making quite the entrance, the carriage will be brought by barge into Venice and moored in front of the Hotel Cipriani from 16-19 April, reminiscent of the train's original relaunch in 1982 when the Étoile du Nord dining car and a sleeper carriage were displayed in the Venice lagoon. From 20 to 22 of April, l’Observatoire will be on display at Riva Dei Sette Martiri (the hub of Biennale Arte) and open to the public.

The display of l'Observatoire, which will become the train's most spacious and exclusive accommodation, will playfully reveal to the viewer through several viewpoints, aspects of the carriage interior offering a sneak preview of JR's vision. The focus instead on building anticipation for the full unveiling of JR's intricate design work in the months to come.

L'Observatoire is designed to be a private creative haven, featuring a bedroom with double bed, bathroom and freestanding bathtub, wardrobe, reclining day bed, lounge area, a library stocked with hundreds of books and a secret tearoom. Inspired by astronomical observatories, its name encourages occupants to look outward through the cabin windows or stargazing through the oculus shaped skylight, as well as inwardly, to discover the intricate and hidden details of the carriage.

Steeped in history and inspired by Renaissance cabinets of curiosity, JR has worked with artisans to inject a level of detail for this one of-a-kind project. This takes the form of new collaborations with old masters of marquetry or stained-glass, while also introducing talented new artisans to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The need to know:

The carriage will be available to book from July 2024 on all Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journeys in 2025 (except trips with limited capacity)

Occupancy: 2 guests in a fixed Double Bed

Pricing from £80,000 for the carriage

Please find attached two press releases, and you can find more information on the landing page of our media hub below:

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe Presents L'Observatoire, A New Carriage Designed By Artist JR - Mediahub - Belmond

We remain at your disposal for any question.

Best wishes,

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