JR's "Caverna" on the Pont-Neuf once again accessible after urgent repair work

Paris – 17.06.2026: The impressive art installation “La Caverne du Pont-Neuf” by French street artist JR is once again accessible to the public after extensive repair work. Originally scheduled for June 6, 2026, the inauguration was postponed to June 15 due to damage caused by strong winds and rain.

The installation transforms the Pont-Neuf, built in the 17th century, into an impressive artificial cave 18 meters high and 120 meters long. It is made up of 80 inflatable arches and was created by over 800 people in France. The project was funded through the sale of JR’s artworks and private sponsors.

Visitors can access the “Cave” every day, 24 hours a day, until June 28, 2026. The immersive experience is enhanced by a soundscape created by Thomas Bangalter, former member of Daft Punk, and a specially developed scent that evokes the smell of earth after rain.

JR, known for his large-scale public works, was inspired in this project by the Pont-Neuf wrapping created in 1985 by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. “The Cave” is a tribute to this historic event and invites visitors to discover Paris’s oldest bridge in a new and fascinating way.

The installation is a technical masterpiece built directly on the Pont-Neuf without the use of nails or screws, in order to preserve the historical value of the bridge. It was entirely made in France and demonstrates the innovation of the French artistic scene.

Despite the initial delay due to bad weather, the “Cave” has already attracted numerous visitors who appreciate the unique atmosphere and the artistic concept of the installation. It offers an opportunity to rediscover the connection between art, history, and architecture in Paris.

The project is part of a growing number of temporary art installations in the French capital, aimed at creatively using public space and creating new forms of cultural and historical mediation. The “Cave” thus enriches the diverse offerings along the Seine, which attracts millions of tourists and locals every year.

For those who have not yet visited the “Cave,” there is time until June 28, 2026, to experience this impressive work of art, enjoy JR’s creative vision, and get to know the artists involved up close. The installation is an example of the connection between contemporary art and Paris’s historical heritage, promoting a new way of approaching the well-known urban symbols.