Bangalter and JR's La Caverne du Pont Neuf Postponed After Weather Damage
Thomas Bangalter, who was part of Daft Punk, teamed up with artist JR for La Caverne du Pont Neuf, a temporary exhibit on the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris. This installation envelops the bridge in tightly packed fabric that mimics a mountain landscape, honoring Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Pont Neuf Wrapped (1985). Bangalter created an 'anti-soundtrack' featuring a three-layered vibratory soundscape, which includes low organic vibrations, synthetic wind-like sounds, and high-frequency noises inspired by their 2023 performance Chiroptera. In a discussion with Hans Ulrich Obrist, he highlighted the value of live, fleeting experiences over digital permanence. Originally scheduled to launch on June 6, 2026, the installation has been delayed due to severe weather damage. Additionally, Bangalter will release the score for Mirage on June 5.
Key facts
- Thomas Bangalter and JR collaborated on La Caverne du Pont Neuf.
- The installation wraps the Pont Neuf bridge in packed fabric.
- It pays tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude's The Pont Neuf Wrapped.
- Bangalter created an 'anti-soundtrack' with three sound layers.
- The soundscape includes low frequencies, synthetic wind, and high-frequency noises.
- Bangalter discussed the project with Hans Ulrich Obrist.
- The opening was postponed due to extreme weather damage.
- Bangalter's score for Mirage releases June 5, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Bangalter
- JR
- Christo
- Jeanne-Claude
- Damien Jalet
- Hans Ulrich Obrist
- Samuel Keller
- Emmanuel de Buretel
- Kenneth Stanley
- Joel Lehman
Institutions
- Daft Punk
- Arcade Fire
- Atelier JR
- Another Magazine
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Pont Neuf
- New Orleans
- French Quarter