France Decks Out Its National Railway Cars to Look Like the Palace of Versailles

[demmiblue]

Source: Slate

The SNCF, France’s national rail network, is a fine piece of infrastructure. But unlike the taxis of Mumbai or the long-haul trucks of Spain, French SNCF trains generally have an unremarkable décor that is more about efficiency than inspired design. But in 2012, the SNCF in collaboration with 3M launched Art in Transit, an ongoing project that has redecorated banal train car interiors with recreations of Impressionist art and stained glass from Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, a train station turned art museum. The latest installment features a second edition of Versailles-themed décor inside five cars on the RER C train line that runs between Paris and Versailles.

SNCF said in a press release that the new decorations—which feature details such as bookcases, sconces, decorative wall and ceiling panels, and scenes from the sumptuous gardens covered in a new high-tech plastic film, alongside brightly colored striped upholstery—are evocative of the “richness” of the Palace of Versailles and its grounds. “The scenic designs are adapted to the configuration of the train,” they write, “and are generally lightened to work with the light, colorful new train design.”

More: http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2016/05/16/france_s_sncf_decks_out_its_cars_to_look_like_the_palace_of_versailles_for.html

[LisaM]

1. Fantastic.

Now they need to update the seat covers so they go a little better, but I love this!

[demmiblue]

7. I know what you mean... they are probably standard issue.

Although a really nice and colorful standard issue!

[demmiblue]

2. More:

Source: Design Boom (linked from the Slate article)

in an effort to bring world famous art to the masses, SNCF — france’s national state-owned rail service — has applied renowned works to one of the most heavily trafficked locations in the country: its public train system. in collaboration with 3M, the interior of a commuter train has been covered with graphic film that mimics impressionist art from the musee d’orsay; an imitation of the architecture of the palace of versailles; and images from cinema gaumont — the oldest film company in the world. during their commute, passengers can admire ‘morning, sun’ by camille pissarro, claude monet’s ‘blue water lilies’, or the vibrant stained glass wall of the musée d’orsay.

while serving as a simple method to add beauty to an ordinary ride, the project also reflects the close ties between railroads and art. for example, the J line — which links paris’ gare saint-lazare and vernon stations — travels through landscapes that served as inspiration to many artists. similarly, the musée d’orsay began life as a railway station before it became a museum. as a result of the creative intervention, the artwork has dramatically decreased the amount of graffiti and criminal damage on trains, giving passengers greater peace of mind as they travel from one part of the city to another.

More: http://www.designboom.com/art/france-trains-art-3m-sncf-05-02-2016/

[scscholar]

3. Sad

This money would be better used to build more mass transit.

[demmiblue]

4. Thanks for the kick... I'm sorry you haz a sad.

[moondust]

12. Do they need more?

Last edited Fri May 20, 2016, 10:35 PM - Edit history (1)

France and the rest of Europe have always been big on public transit. I rode the superb trains, subways, and buses all over Europe way back in the 70s. I can't imagine it's gotten worse.

[surrealAmerican]

15. The jig is up.

I think you just outed yourself as a parody poster.

You had me for a while there, but this is funny.

[nadinbrzezinski]

16. My, my

http://europe-cities.com/destinations/france/transportation/

Before you spout... France is considered to have one of the best systems in the world.



While we are still using 1960s technology... oh and I forgot SOCIALISM

[procon]

5. How gorgeous!

It looks like a museum. The train cars in the LA area look plain and functional, like they were designed in the 60s at an austere Russian factory.

[awoke_in_2003]

8. Hell, you're lucky

Public transportation in the DFW area is almost non-existent. Taxpayers won't fund it, but they (Arlington specifically) are talking about building another new ballpark for the Rangers. Now they want a roof.

[roamer65]

6. Mel Brooks time.

"You look like the piss boy".

"I love my subjects...PULL!!!"

"It's good to be the King!"

HRUMPH....

[blogslut]

9. Lovely.

Although, I'm more excited about upholstery on the seats. The stuff on the bus seats in my town look like it's been there since the eighties.

[LiberalArkie]

10. Fantastic, Thank you

[LS_Editor]

11. Meanwhile, our trains are in disrepair and dangerous.

[SCVDem]

13. If these were American trains,

we would have more time to enjoy it!

Cuz 'Murican trains are so damn slow!

I might have missed this lovely artful story.

Thanks demmiblue!

[surrealAmerican]

14. Wow.

... and no advertising.

[CrispyQ]

17. Love it!