Venice Biennale Journey: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and New Art Spaces
Traveling to the Venice Biennale on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express merges the elegance of Art Deco with modern artistic expression. Since its revival in 1982 by James Sherwood and its operation by Belmond, which has been under LVMH ownership since 2019, the train boasts historic carriages adorned with Lalique glass. The 24-hour trip from Paris to Venice offers themed dining experiences and an onboard mailbox. New art venues to discover include Ca' Riviera, inaugurated on May 9, 2026, by Riccardo Corò and Leonardo Tiezzi. Villa Valier launches its inaugural artist residency, while Villa Contarini showcases 'The Shape of the Self / La forma del Sé.' Additionally, San Giacomo in Paludo features a sustainable art initiative with a sculpture garden accessible by reservation, and the Madama Garden Retreat hotel displays works by artists like Roberto Lalli.
Key facts
- The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express was revived in 1982 by James Sherwood and is operated by Belmond, owned by LVMH since 2019.
- The train features original Art Deco elements, including glass panels by René Lalique and marquetry by René Prou.
- Since 2025, the L'Observatoire carriage designed by JR offers a contemporary addition.
- The journey from Paris to Venice takes over 24 hours.
- Ca' Riviera, a new art center in Mira, opened on May 9, 2026, founded by Riccardo Corò and Leonardo Tiezzi.
- Ca' Riviera spans two 16th-century estates: Villa Valier and Villa Contarini.
- Villa Contarini hosts the exhibition 'The Shape of the Self / La forma del Sé' featuring Leonor Fini, Yves Scherer, Chiara Capellini, and Sedef Gali.
- The island of San Giacomo in Paludo, acquired in 2018 by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and Agostino Re Rebaudengo, features restored buildings and a sculpture garden.
- The Madama Garden Retreat hotel in Venice exhibits artists in its lobby, including Roberto Lalli.
- Access to San Giacomo in Paludo is free but requires reservation.
Entities
Artists
- James Sherwood
- René Lalique
- René Prou
- JR
- Riccardo Corò
- Leonardo Tiezzi
- Alessandro Maganza
- Jacopo Sansovino
- Leonor Fini
- Yves Scherer
- Chiara Capellini
- Sedef Gali
- Claire Fontaine
- Mario García Torres
- Thomas Schütte
- Hugh Hayden
- Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
- Agostino Re Rebaudengo
- Tania Khmelevska
- Roberto Lalli
- Mara De Guidi
Institutions
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Belmond
- LVMH
- Ca' Riviera
- Villa Valier
- Villa Contarini
- Cassina Projects
- Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
- Madama Garden Retreat
- Connaissance des Arts
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Venice
- Italy
- Mira
- Riviera del Brenta
- San Giacomo in Paludo
- Venice Santa Lucia
- Brenner Pass
- Austria