1 / 5Paris is set to transform its most historic bridge into an extraordinary experience. From June 6 to June 28, 2026, French street artist JR will launch La Caverne du Pont Neuf — a vast, walkable cave that envelops the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, constructed in 1607. A boat glides along the Seine showcasing the temporary artwork “La Caverne du Pont Neuf,” created by JR as a tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, with the historic Pont Neuf in the background, captured on May 26, 2026. REUTERS/Alice Sacco
2 / 5The installation spans 120 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and reaches heights of up to 18 meters. This makes it the largest project of its kind globally. Inside, visitors will experience sound, augmented reality, optical illusions, inflatable structures, and striking lighting effects that transform the bridge into a temporary “mineral fault”. Image source: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
3 / 5The structure is predominantly made of air, with 80 inflatable arches designed to mimic rocky formations above the Seine. The soundscape for the installation has been conceptualized by Thomas Bangalter, known for his role in the music duo Daft Punk. Photo: Eléa Jeanne Schmitter ©Atelier JR
4 / 5This project is a homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s renowned “The Pont-Neuf Wrapped” from four decades ago, symbolizing a new landmark in Paris’s legacy of transformative public art. The artist, often referred to as the “French Banksy,” has a history of impactful installations, including covering walls in Gaza with giant faces and veiling the façade of the Palais Garnier with suspended dancers.
5 / 5An enticing detail for visitors: entry is entirely free, with no reservations required, around the clock, seven days a week. While the bridge will be closed to traffic, it will remain accessible for pedestrians and cyclists from the quays, surrounding bridges, the Seine, and even riverboats.
