Monumental Cave Art on Paris' Oldest Bridge Finally Opens, as the Public Steps and Sniffs Inside
The free installation uses scent, sound and augmented reality to turn the bridge into an 18-meter artificial cavern.
- On Monday, French street artist JR opened 'La Caverne du Pont-Neuf,' transforming Paris's oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, into an artificial cavern. The free installation remains open around the clock through June 28.
- Created as an ode to late artist duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the installation honors their 1985 work 'The Pont Neuf Wrapped,' which drew an estimated 3 million visitors. JR designed this tribute to shift how people experience the city.
- The 'cave' features 80 canvas arches filled with air, rising 18 meters above the Seine. Olfactory expert Sarah Bouasse created scents of damp earth, while former Daft Punk member Thomas Bangalter provided immersive sound design.
- Art student Léa Martin from Lyon said on Tuesday, 'It feels like the city has disappeared,' describing how the installation momentarily transports visitors to an ancient setting while crossing the river.
- JR called the project '100% the most challenging thing I've ever done.' When the exhibit concludes, the materials will be recycled and the bridge will return to normal operation.
31 Articles
31 Articles
The Toronto Star
Washington TimesMonumental cave art on Paris’ oldest bridge finally opens, as the public steps and sniffs inside
PARIS (AP) — For weeks, a black mountain loomed over the Seine where Paris’ oldest bridge should have been. On Monday evening, its doors finally opened.
The French artist JR is behind the work, which will only be available for a short period of time.
JR's "The Cave" on Paris' Pont Neuf is finally open to the public
"The Cave" at Pont Neuf has finally opened its doors this Monday. The announcement was made by the artist JR in the afternoon, as repairs were nearing completion after the canvas was torn by strong winds on June 2. It is now possible to explore, free of charge and 24 hours a day, the interior of the ephemeral artwork by the artist who became famous for his monumental photographic collage projects and trompe-l'oeil.
'French Banksy' Transforms a Paris Bridge Into a Cave
For weeks, a black mountain loomed over the Seine where Paris' oldest bridge should have been. On Monday evening, its doors finally opened. Inside, Paris smells different. The air carries the scent of earth after rain—damp ancient stone, cellar walls, perhaps a trace of smoke. Visitors step from the...
Monumental cave art on Paris' oldest bridge finally opens, as public steps and sniffs inside
French street artist JR has transformed Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, into an artificial cavern. This monumental installation, open 24/7 until June 28, uses printed fabric and air to create a dark, immersive experience.
JR's new and improved Pont-Neuf cavern reopens
The artist announced on social media on Monday that his ephemeral work, 'La Caverne du Pont-Neuf,' was reopening three days ahead of schedule. It was repaired and strengthened after strong winds had damaged it two weeks ago.
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