The return of a legend

At Design Miami/ Accor unveils the new Presidential Suite of the Orient Express, the legendary train that will go back into operation in 2025

The Future Orient Express presented by Accor - Photo © Maxime d'Angeac
The Future Orient Express presented by Accor - Photo © Maxime d'Angeac

After its invention at the end of the 1800s by the visionary Georges Nagelmackers, the legendary Orient Express is back, with its historic train cars restored to their original splendor thanks to the hotel chain Accor.

A long history of 140 years, narrated in an exhibition installed at Design Miami/, in which to explore the recently unveiled projects for the future image of the train.

Designed by the French architect Maxime d’Angeac, the 18 cars, including three suites, recreate the atmosphere of the legendary train – once decorated by René Prou, René Lalique, Christofle – using refined materials like briar, mahogany, velvet, silk, leaded mirrors, and crystals shaped by master craftsmen from across the Alps.

“For this legendary train the idea was not to copy and paste the original Orient Express – the architect explains – but to recreate that exclusive atmosphere in order to transmit the same spirit through a contemporary vision.” 

For a legendary stay, in 2024 the first hotels of the brand will be opened: Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice. For a taste of timeless refinement.

Photo © Maxime d’Angeac