Belmond Debuts L’observatoire By Jr On The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train in Europe, has unveiled L’Observatoire by JR as its first artist-designed carriage. It is the most exclusive, spacious accommodation on board. Conceived as an “artwork in motion,” it pays tribute to the train’s history of meticulous, timeless craft. It also reframes luxury rail travel as a fully immersive cultural experience.

L’Observatoire by JR

L’Observatoire is the first time a world-renowned contemporary artist has been invited to design an entire carriage for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. JR’s concept treats the space as a moving installation. Guests step inside his narrative world rather than simply viewing artworks on the walls.

• The interiors layer JR’s visual language over the train’s heritage Art Deco bones, creating a dialogue between old-world glamour and modern storytelling.
• As the most spacious accommodation type on the train, it is positioned for guests who want maximum privacy, theatre and design-led detail in one suite.

An artwork in motion

Described as an artwork in motion, L’Observatoire turns the journey itself into part of the piece. Changing light, shifting landscapes, and the rhythm of the rails all interact with JR’s design. Consequently, the experience evolves hour by hour.

• The carriage honours the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’s legacy of handcrafted marquetry, textiles, and glass, reinterpreting these crafts through a contemporary lens.
• Rather than a static luxury interior, the space is designed to feel cinematic, as if each guest is moving through frames of a film directed by JR.

Craft heritage and contemporary luxury

L’Observatoire reinforces Belmond’s role as a guardian of historic craftsmanship. It proves that heritage can be a platform for experimentation, not a constraint. Every surface, from wall panels to lighting, is treated as a canvas. Artisans collaborate with JR’s vision.

• This collaboration shows how high craft and contemporary art can coexist in hospitality, elevating a suite from premium accommodation to a collectible experience.
• It also underlines the train’s status as a cultural icon, where design and narrative matter as much as route and service.

Belmond’s evolving travel universe

Belmond has been steadily expanding its universe of art, design, and gastronomy across trains, hotels, and cruises. Each property positions as a one-of-a-kind stage rather than a template. L’Observatoire is a key milestone in that strategy, signalling more artist-driven, story-rich spaces to come. Under its parent group, LVMH, Belmond continues to push luxury travel toward experiences that are emotionally resonant. These experiences are deeply rooted in place and craft.