JR transforms Opéra Garnier scaffolding into a romantic cave

French street artist JR has created a public artwork on the scaffolding covering the Opéra Garnier in Paris, which is undergoing facade restoration until late 2024. The installation, titled 'La Caverne,' is conceived as a two-act opera libretto. Act I, from now until September 25, depicts the entrance to a giant cave inspired by Plato's allegory and 19th-century Romantic aesthetics, evoking ancient Greek music and dance. Four evenings in September will feature free projections and opera excerpts from 9:15 to 10 PM. Act II in November will replace the cave image with a curtain designed by Atelier Montex, a contemporary embroidery workshop that works with Chanel and Dior. The public is invited to participate in embroidering the curtain from mid-September to late October. JR was invited by the Opéra de Paris to cover the scaffolding during the restoration, which began months ago and will continue until end of 2024. The monument, inaugurated in 1875 under the Third Republic, remains accessible for performances.