Orient Express entrusts the interiors of its first hotel in Rome to architect & designer Hugo Toro

“Orient Express has found its ideal stopover in Rome,” says Hugo Toro, adding: “It is a symbolic city that evokes emotion and amazement in everyone who visits. It is a place that feels like magic, imprinted by marks of history and with a rich palette of textures, materials and colours. All of this is in perfect harmony with the mysterious and travel-focused identity of Orient Express.”

In his Promenades à Rome (Walks through Rome), the architect travelled to the heart of the city’s historic centre, found treasures in bookstores, discovered the Pantheon, and brought his notebooks and watercolours to the famous Piazza de la Minerva, whose name derives from the goddess of artisans and eternal Protector of Rome. He sketched the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, and Bernini’s obelisk with its elephant high on the pedestal. He passed by the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva – the only gothic church in Rome – and then saw Michelangelo’s Pietà, all before stopping in front of the façade of the anticipated Orient Express La Minerva.

“The former Palazzo Fonseca is a sumptuous palace from the 17th century, with a huge and majestic facade,” Toro explains, adding: “It is a heritage site still adorned with Roman columns, sculptures by Rinaldi Rinaldo, a disciple of Canova, and the fascinating Minerva. It is a secret spot where you can go to think and admire the wonders of the Sant’Ivo dome, the roof of the Quirinal Palace and the Pantheon from its panoramic terrace.”

Born on the French-German border to a Mexican mother and a French father, architect and designer Hugo Toro shares a love of culture, encounters and travel with Orient Express. He is the interior architect behind the designs of the Gigi restaurants in Paris, Val d’Isère and Ramatuelle, in addition to exceptional apartments and private Parisian mansions. Recently he ventured to London where he designed Booking Office 1869, the new restaurant in the 19th-century ticket hall at St Pancras station, and last summer Hugo Toro conceived the scenography of Orient Express’ pop-up at La Samaritaine in Paris. An obvious collaboration at the centre of a space inspired by the world of Orient Express, which featured the brand’s first collection of travel objects entitled Steam Dream, created in collaboration with 18 houses and artisans.

“Rome is filled with innumerable secret courtyards. You must be curious, push the doors open! Statues and architectural treasures can be discovered at random moments, adding more richness to your experience in the city.”

“An architectural detail that says a lot. In the Pantheon, the dome, with its 43-meter diameter, is a pure marvel. And its coffered ceiling is an architectural classic.”

“Bernini’s obelisk: an original work of art that each guest of the future Orient Express La Minerva hotel can discover upon arrival.”

“Minerva, a symbol of Orient Express La Minerva. The patroness of Rome, goddess of work and of artisans, symbol of knowledge and wisdom. An inspiring figure for this project.”

“The colors and textures of Rome have a huge influence on my work. These patinated layers show the stigma of time, and it’s a color palette that I plan to bring into Orient Express La Minerva.”