Most of us are familiar with Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie but have you wondered what it is like to be on board the iconic locomotive? The Orient Express pop-up makes a piti stop in Singapore, the first destination outside of France. Once Upon A Time on The Orient Express offers visitors a chance to embark on a fascinating journey through the history of the Orient Express, reliving the experience of travellers who boarded the train more than 100 years ago.
Relive the Golden Days
Spanning over 2000sqm, the pop-up features two original train carriages classified as National Treasures of France. The exhibition is housed in a custom-built infrastructure with the right conditions to store, preserve, and protect artwork and displays. Even the facade of the tentage was designed to simulate the Gare du Nord station in Paris.
Pullman Carriage
The 1930s sleeper weigh close to 200 tonnes; undoubtedly one of the heaviest to be shipped across the world. The exhibition replicates the heyday of luxury rail travel. When you step inside the Pullman carriage (a first-class carriage), the carpet and interior are all original.
The passengers on board the train were businessmen, politicians, archaeologists, artists, adventurers, and diplomats conceived as ‘palace on wheels’. Travellers used to stay for several days in a closed space, as they were the characters of a moving theatre.
Marvel at a collection of pieces from a bygone era such as tableware, replicas of passenger’s belongings, stained glass windows and furniture. The oeil-de-boeuf or bullseye window located at the ends of the carriage was designed for ventilation purposes but has become an iconic symbol of Orient Express.
Cargo Carriage
From France to Singapore, along with hundreds of exhibits such as uniforms, shields, a Pullman car, affiches, Louis Vuitton original luggage, priceless porcelain, posters and many more.
Scene from Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express
Founder of the International Sleeping Car Company
Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL or the International Sleeping Car Company) was a private company that operated Orient Express. Invented by Georges Nagelmackers, this legendary train was the world’s first international express that enabled travellers to cross the border without customs formalities.
On an average, you can spent 45 to 60 minutes in the exhibition.
The standard ticket cost S$25 per person. If you are looking for a unique dining experience, the 1925 replica of the Anatolia dining car houses the pop-up restaurant. The menus are both contemporary and befitting of the Orient Express era.
Once Upon a Time on the Orient Express
Now till 5 Jan 2022
West Lawn (Next to Bayfront Plaza), Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Purchase your tickets here!
Lonely Travelog 