As the French capital prepares to welcome the 2024 edition of Art Basel, on Saturday night, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe hosted a spectacular red-carpet event starting in the heart of Paris. A-listers and tastemakers took a first look at L’Observatoire, the train’s latest and most exclusive sleeper carriage to join the rake in March 2025, designed by world-renowned artist JR. 

Joining from the music, fashion and film worlds, guests included actors Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sami Outalbali, Cécile Cassel, designer Amina Muaddi, supermodel Anja Rubik, together with étoile au Ballet de l'Opéra dancer Hugo Marchand, French musicians Olivio Ordonez of BigFlo & Oli, Charlotte Cardin and Naomi Diaz of duo Ibeyi. creative director Sarah Andelman and gallerist Emmanual Perrotin.

Boarding the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, each guest had an intimate first-look at L’Observatoire sleeper carriage. JR took every attendee on a tour that offered a peek into the secrets hidden in the marquetry and the micro-environments that flow throughout his ‘artwork in motion.’ The evening continued with a look at the train’s other opulent accommodation types - the Suites and Grande Suites. 

Dinner was curated by the train’s renowned Executive Chef, Jean Imbert, and served in the train’s Étoile du Nord and L’Oriental dining cars. Guests indulged in an exquisite, three-course meal while the historic train winded through the Parisian night. As the evening unfolded, the festivities continued into the sapphire velvet-clad glamour of the Bar Car with champagne, live music and handcrafted cocktails.

L’Observatoire is a one-of-a-kind carriage that replicates the spirit of JR’s Parisian art studio, with personalised treasures that guests uncover throughout the "studio on wheels” whilst journeying on the world’s most iconic train. As the largest accommodation type onboard, the carriage infuses new life into the historic Sleeping Car 3553, through a restoration of the interior, which includes a bedroom featuring a free-standing bathtub with an adjoining bathroom, a lounge that includes a daybed with a built-in a vinyl record player, a full library, and hidden tea room with fireplace. 

L’Observatoire will officially launch in March 2025 onboard the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, for further information or to book see here.