A Century of Art Deco & the Revived Orient Express

Step into an era where artistry dances with innovation, as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris unveils its much-anticipated new exhibition, 1925–2025: A Century of Art Deco, opening October 21, 2025. This landmark event celebrates a century of Art Deco design, a movement that defined an epoch of glamour, opulence, and unparalleled sophistication.

At the heart of this exhibition stands a modern marvel—an icon reimagined for today’s world-the new Orient Express train, designed by the celebrated Maxime d’Angeac.

The Masterwork of Maxime d’Angeac

Maxime d’Angeac’s visionary work is a revelation, breathing new life into the legendary Orient Express. This isn’t merely a train; it’s a narrative in motion, a vessel constructed to fuse the glory of the past with the ingenuity of the future. Draped in polished details and etched with a reverence for Art Deco heritage, the train is a space where indulgence and innovation converge seamlessly. Each cabin is an enclave of understated opulence, a curated experience dripping in luxury for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) who demand nothing less than perfection. What distinguishes this futuristic masterpiece? Its appeal lies not just in aesthetics but in its ethos. The Orient Express’ rebirth is steeped in sustainability—an elegant showcase of eco-conscious luxury. Crafted with responsibly sourced materials, each element reflects the utmost care for both the passenger’s comfort and the environment’s well-being. This is a train that invites its passengers to travel not only through landscapes but through a world of responsible indulgence, all without sacrificing its grandeur.

A Collaboration of Masters

The design’s exquisite detailing is owed to an illustrious cohort of artisans who embody the very pinnacle of mastery. Ateliers Jouffre, synonymous with refined upholstery, has brought their unrivaled precision to the train’s interior. Think lush velvet textures, intricate embroidery, and a sensory world of unparalleled tactility.

Renowned for architectural millwork and bespoke furniture, Rinck has left an indelible mark with pieces that marry the contemporary with Deco-inspired silhouettes. Every angle, curve, and finishing touch exudes an elegance that whispers of artistry. The Atelier d’Offard has lent its genius to the production of hand-painted wallpapers, featuring motifs steeped in Deco-style flourishes. Layered textures and painterly designs imbue each cabin and corridor with a sense of timeless sophistication, making the mere act of stepping aboard feel like entering a gallery of living art. Every detail of the project reflects an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, offering a setting where the world’s elite can transcend the ordinary and indulge in rarefied beauty.

The Legacy and Expansion of Orient Express

Ever since its inaugural journey in 1883, the Orient Express has symbolized the pinnacle of luxury travel. A gilded corridor between cultures, it captured the imagination of royalty, artists, and connoisseurs of life’s finer things. Now, with its revival, the legendary brand is expanding its reach not just across geographies but into new domains of high-end hospitality. Earlier this year, Orient Express inaugurated its first luxury hotel in Rome, bringing the standards of unparalleled refinement to a different kind of destination. Set in an architectural masterpiece, this property embodies the brand’s philosophy of creating unique experiences where history and contemporary luxury intersect seamlessly. This harmonious transition from tracks to elegant interiors speaks of the brand’s ability to mold its heritage into new ventures without losing its soul.

A Celebration of Art and Luxury

The exhibition at Musée des Arts Décoratifs is more than a retrospective—it’s a forward-looking tribute to a design language that continues to inspire and evolve. Visitors will wander through curated exhibits showcasing emblematic Art Deco pieces, tracing the movement’s influence from its 1920s heyday to its resonance in modern design. At the core of it all, the exhibition underscores craftsmanship as a timeless art form. It invites attendees to revel in the exquisite intersection of function and artistry, embodied exquisitely in the Orient Express—a living testament to the enduring allure of luxury travel.

Experience the Grand Unveiling

For those captivated by the symphony of tradition and transformation, 1925–2025: A Century of Art Deco promises a feast for the senses. Come to marvel at the extraordinary, to honor the grandeur of times past, and to glimpse a future built on elegance and innovation. The Orient Express stands as a luminous centerpiece—a promise of where we are headed, and a celebration of how far we have come. Book your passage into the world of Art Deco and contemporary luxury this October at Musée des Arts Décoratifs. While others follow patterns, this exhibition invites you to experience what it means to lead—a rendezvous with design, craftsmanship, and transcendence like no other. Will you answer the call?