The Orient Express, a modern epic (1883–1918)

A transcontinental train linking Paris to Constantinople for the first time, the Orient Express established itself as one of the great symbolic achievements of the 19th century. A technical, economic, diplomatic, and artistic tour de force, it embodied a dream of modernity and luxury. Serving as a bridge between the West and Western Asia, the Orient Express was above all the train of Europe: it offered its distinguished passengers the discovery of Central European landscapes and cultures.

Through a selection of emblematic works and objects, the exhibition retraces the epic story of the Orient Express during the Belle Époque, when the history of this legendary train began to be written.

One of Georges Nagelmackers’ great innovations was to design carriages that combined luxury, comfort and modernity in the spirit of transatlantic liners. On board the Orient Express, the journey became an experience in itself: French refinement combining tasteful décor – soon to be influenced by Art Nouveau and then Art Deco, notably with wood panelling and marquetry by René Prou – exceptional cuisine and comfort.

More than just a means of transport, the Orient Express became a symbol of modern luxury, reflecting a refined art de vivre that left a lasting mark on the imagination of the Belle Époque. The train was an accessory, a theatre stage for European high society, thanks to the quality of its carriages: some people only travelled part of the way, solely to host a lunch or dinner on board the train.

During the Belle Époque, Western Europe’s fascination with the Middle East fuelled a vast artistic and literary movement: Orientalism. Painters and writers invented a dreamlike Orient, both mysterious and dazzling, which fed the collective imagination and sparked a desire to escape.

As the prestigious terminus of the Orient Express’s maiden voyage, Constantinople became the emblematic destination of this Western aspiration to travel. A cultural, economic and diplomatic crossroads, the city captivated visitors with its thousand-year history and architecture. The tourist guides of the time offered itineraries for travellers in search of exoticism and picturesque scenery. Many had their photographs taken dressed in Turkish style, seeking to embody this fantasised Orient, while ignoring the signs of modernity in a rapidly changing society. Their stay, often rushed, lasted only a few days before they returned home.
Aware of the need to provide accommodation for these new travellers, the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits opened the Péra Palace in 1892: a modern and prestigious establishment that quickly became legendary. Its most famous guests included Sarah Bernhardt, Mata Hari, Greta Garbo and Agatha Christie.