All aboard the Orient Express

There is no better remedy for wanderlust than to hop on board a historic 158-year-old locomotive. Weighing almost 200 tonnes, the locomotive and a 1930s pullman car were exclusively shipped to Singapore as part of the Once Upon A Time on The Orient Express exhibition. The exhibition is taking place at Gardens by the Bay (West Lawn) from 12 December 2020 – 13 June 2021.

Embark on the legendary Paris to Istanbul train journey – one that has sparked imagination and inspired numerous novels and films – through a fascinating narrative. Find the art of living on-board, little-known aspects of the Arab world, history of East-West relations, inspirations for exciting thrillers, and underrated artistic encounters through curated displays of objects, posters, newsreels, and documentaries. From crockery to items once used by a famous authoress whose book about the Orient Express sold over 100 million copies worldwide, get ready to be transported back into the 19th century.

As the first destination to showcase the Orient Express outside France, the Singapore pop-up attraction also invites limited numbers of guests to have lunch, high tea or dinner on board. A replica of the Anatolia dining car from 1925 was especially created to host the unique dining experience. Led by Chef Yannick Alléno whose two restaurants (Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc and Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen) received three Michelin stars each, expect curated recipes that mirror the legendary meals of the bygone era. “The Orient Express train had invented locavorism ahead of its time. With small kitchen and fridges, back in the days, ingredients were bought along the way at the different stops. Food was inspired by the different regions along the route, dependent on the ingredients sourced along the way,” says Alléno who promises “a menu with dishes inspired by Italy and Iran but with French cuisine at its core”.

Alternatively, head to the Orient Express Road Café for a casual respite after exploring the pop-up attraction. Enjoy destination-inspired dishes by Chef Yannick Alléno and four coffee blends inspired by Paris, Venice, Vienna, and Istanbul as well as an homage to Singapore’s traditional Kopi O.

For tickets and reservation, please go to www.orientexpressexhibition.com