Feather with Marie Daunas
A trip aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, in L'Observatoire, a work by JR
A timeless moment in a work dedicated to travel
At 41, the French photographer—who rose to fame with his XXL photographic collages—took on a daring challenge: to design a sleeper car for the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train. Called L’Observatoire, his moving, rolling work of art—brought to life by skilled artisans—has become “a destination in its own right.” “What matters isn’t where we’re going; it’s the experience of getting there that becomes the journey itself!” adds the artist.
Welcome to the Observatory, designed as an ultra-luxurious immersion in a living gallery. Inspired by astronomical observatories and Renaissance cabinets of curiosities, the car's interiors offer veritable cocoons, from the bedroom featuring a free-standing bathtub to the en suite bathroom, via the living room, library and hidden tea room. Here, two oculi invite you to daydream; here, original photos by JR take you on a journey. Everywhere, a love of fine craftsmanship, with precious marquetry, stained glass and Carrara marble. A world of softness and curves, in praise of slowness: "Guests can now enter the private space of an artist while staying in one of the most luxurious suites in the world. To be able to experience this creative crossroads for the duration of a trip is very special and has never been seen in this way before," enthuses JR.
The Observatory will join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in March 2025. Reservations open here
Photo credits: © Charlotte Abramow © Justin Wheeler © ludovic Balay
