The British Pullman, a Belmond Train, has unveiled the full interiors of Celia — a private dining and events carriage designed by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his longtime collaborator, costume and production designer Catherine Martin.
Seating up to 12 guests, Celia functions as a self-contained venue for private celebrations aboard the train, complete with a lounge, bar, and kitchen. But the design goes well beyond a luxurious private room: Luhrmann and Martin built the entire carriage around an original narrative. The fictional conceit is that a celebrated 1930s West End actress named Celia was gifted her own Pullman car following a legendary performance as Titania in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream — and every surface, material, and detail connects back to that story.
Tri-color marquetry panels line the walls with English pastoral scenes, Celia herself immortalized among them as Titania. Pansies — Titania's symbolic flower in the play — recur across textiles and carved details throughout. The parquet floor mirrors the marquetry overhead to create the sensation of traveling through an ancient English forest, while giant velvet curtains divide the carriage into sequential acts, parting mid-journey to reveal the dining room. The fabric ceiling has been engineered specifically to enhance live acoustics for onboard performances.
The bespoke treatment extends to the experiential layer as well. A signature scent was co-selected by Luhrmann and Martin, and a cocktail list exclusive to Celia guests was curated by a master mixologist. From the point of booking, guests will have direct access to a personal experience curator — a new dedicated role created specifically for the carriage.
Celia is available for private hire aboard the British Pullman.
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