Repairs to JR's Pont Neuf 'Caverne' progressing, opening 'very soon', artist says
After strong winds tore through his monumental inflatable cave on the Pont Neuf and forced a postponement, artist JR announced that repairs are in good shape and an opening could come 'very soon'.
What happened
JR's 'Caverne,' a vast inflatable grotto installed on the Pont Neuf in Paris, was torn by exceptional wind gusts that hit central Paris in early June. The public opening, originally set for 6 June through 28 June, had to be called off. The artist described days and nights spent rebuilding the piece, saying at moments the team 'no longer saw it coming back.'
She is there. It's completely crazy.
Repair status and next steps
In an Instagram story on Sunday, 14 June, JR said the work is now progressing well. His press team cautioned that no opening date is yet fixed because rope access technicians still need to work on the exterior and the interior must be rearranged. JR promised further news 'very soon.'
At this stage we do not have an expected date: the rope access workers must still intervene on the exterior of the work while we need to refit the interior of La Caverne.
A massive tribute installation
The piece is a tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who wrapped the Pont Neuf in fabric in 1985 and drew millions of visitors. JR's inflatable structure measures 120 metres long, 20 metres wide and spans 2,400 square metres, with a height oscillating between 12 and 18 metres. Its trompe-l'œil design mimics the rocky texture of a cave in white, black and shades of grey. The soundscape was created by electro composer Thomas Bangalter, formerly of Daft Punk.
- Installation of La Caverne completed overnight 20-21 May.
- Strong wind gusts damage the inflatable structure, tearing the fabric.
- Originally scheduled public opening date is postponed.
- JR announces repairs are on track, promising an update very soon.
Free 24-hour immersion
'Caverne' was conceived as a free, around-the-clock pedestrian experience. The installation is the second 'wrapping' of the bridge, following the 1985 intervention. The repair timeline and eventual opening will determine how long Parisians and tourists can walk through it.
