JR's 'La Caverne du Pont Neuf' Transforms Paris Bridge into Giant Cave
French artist JR has unveiled 'La Caverne du Pont Neuf', a monumental inflatable installation covering the Pont Neuf in Paris from June 6 to 28, 2026. The work, commissioned by Christo and Jeanne-Claude's nephew Vladimir Yavachev, pays homage to the couple's 1985 'Pont Neuf Wrapped'. The 2,400-square-meter structure, reaching 18 meters high, is covered with printed canvas evoking cave rock and features augmented reality by Snap's AR Studio Paris and a soundscape by former Daft Punk member Thomas Bangalter. JR collaborated with philosopher Charles Pépin on the concept, referencing Plato's cave allegory to critique individualism and digital isolation. The project required 800 workers and received support from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and cultural advisor Philippe Belaval. Simultaneously, JR presents a solo exhibition at Galerie Perrotin in Paris from June 5 to August 1, featuring new works including 'Dé-compositions' series.
Key facts
- Installation runs June 6–28, 2026 on Pont Neuf, Paris
- Commissioned by Vladimir Yavachev, nephew of Christo and Jeanne-Claude
- Covers 2,400 m², 120 m long, 20 m wide, up to 18 m high
- Features augmented reality by Snap's AR Studio Paris
- Soundscape by Thomas Bangalter (ex-Daft Punk)
- 800 people involved in production
- Supported by Mayor Anne Hidalgo and cultural advisor Philippe Belaval
- Concurrent exhibition at Galerie Perrotin, June 5–August 1
Entities
Artists
- JR
- Christo
- Jeanne-Claude
- Thomas Bangalter
- Charles Pépin
- Vladimir Yavachev
- Claudia Giraud
- Étienne-Jules Marey
- Wolfgang Volz
Institutions
- Snap AR Studio Paris
- Galerie Perrotin
- Connaissance des Arts
- Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation
- Artribune
- Palais Garnier
- Opéra de Paris
- Atelier JR
- Snap's AR Studio Paris
- Air Toiles Concept
- designboom
Locations
- Pont Neuf
- Paris
- France
- Central Park
- New York
- Berlin
- Opéra Garnier
- Trocadéro
- Pyramide du Louvre
- Marais
- 76 rue de Turenne
- Palais Garnier
- Seine
- Plougoumelen
- Brittany
- Florence
- Rome
- Orly