The pop-up attraction “Once Upon A Time On The Orient Express” has finally opened at Gardens by the Bay on 12 December 2020.
It has taken six months for the legendary train to be brought back to life for the people in Singapore to enjoy. Singapore is the first destination to showcase the Orient Express outside of France.
It is for the first time ever that two of the original train carriages and locomotive, along with over 300 artefacts have left France to be exposed in Singapore within a 2000m2 exhibition space.
The mythical carriages of the Orient Express include the fourgon car and a Pullman car built in 1920 with interiors decorated by René Prou. Visitors of the exhibition can temporarily bask in the experience of travellers who have used the train for many years back in the time!
For those who had read the book of Agatha Christie of Murder on the Orient Express, or of the multiple movies made based on that train, including Johnny Depp’s Murder on the Orient Express, you will love to see the installations in the second train car, which includes an installation of the Cassetti murder!
“Once Upon A Time On The Orient Express” not only brings a slice of French history, heritage and culture to Singapore but complements the European-themed experiences we have put together at Gardens by the Bay this festive season. With overseas travel on hold for many, we hope to bring a bit of the world to the Gardens so that Singaporeans can spend some quality time with their family and friends during the holidays.” says CEO of Gardens by the Bay, Mr Felix Loh.
About the Historic Orient Express
The Orient Express is a luxury train by Founder Georges Nagelmackers. It was made because of the demand for more comfort during long journeys across Europe back in the days. The luxury train service was created in 1883 by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. A myth for over 135 years, Orient Express remains the symbol of luxury travel and timeless refinement.
Visitors will be able to marvel at the display of décor such as Lalique glass plate inlays, René Prou marquetry, restaurant lamps, as well as the dishes used in the dining area, as well as travel objects such as historical Louis Vuitton trunks and garment hangers once used by travellers, displayed in giant trunks. The Louis Vuitton trunks are truly well kept and I honestly wouldn’t mind having a few of them hihi!
The Orient Express links the East to the West from 1883 to the 1980s, for about a hundred years. In the exhibition, you will find animated maps that will allow you to see the political evolution of this period! Truly a must for those passionate about history and travel. Considering we are all confined to Singapore at the moment, this exhibition really made me travel the world within hours there.
The multicultural heritage of the legendary train is now transported to a collection of Orient Express hotels, taking travellers on a captivating journey to elsewhere. For more information please visit Orient-Express.com.
Dine in Luxury in the Orient Express replica
Entry to the restaurant is separate from the exhibition, with reservations are required, catering only to children above the age of 12. The Orient Express Pop-Up Restaurant will open with high tea sessions from 12 December 2020. The full dining experience of lunch, brunch and dinner will be available before Christmas with more information to be revealed at a later date. Each reservation is allowed a 1 hour 30 minutes dine-in time for Lunch, Hi-Tea, First seating dinner and 2 hours dine-in time for Second seating dinner. Seats are fixed to groups of 2 and 4 respectively.
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