PARIS — Renowned French artist JR, often compared to the elusive Banksy, is preparing to execute his most ambitious urban intervention yet—transforming Paris’s historic Pont Neuf into a massive immersive art experience this June. The 17th-century bridge will temporarily become a walk-through cavern installation, creating a striking juxtaposition of mineral formations against classical Parisian architecture.
The project, titled ‘Pont Neuf Cavern,’ will run from June 6-28, stretching 120 meters in length and reaching over 17 meters in height. The installation will completely envelop the bridge’s stone arches with a prehistoric rock-like illusion, incorporating multi-sensory elements including specialized sound design by former Daft Punk member Thomas Bangalter and augmented reality technology developed by Snap’s Paris studio.
This monumental work serves as both homage and innovation, referencing the iconic 1985 wrapping of Pont Neuf by artistic duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude while establishing a distinctly contemporary approach to public art. JR acknowledges the significance of following these pioneers, stating he’s proceeding ‘in a very different style, in my own way.’
The experience offers dual perspectives: externally, the bridge will appear as a massive geological formation disrupting the urban landscape; internally, visitors will navigate a completely darkened tunnel designed to create temporal disorientation and total immersion. The artist describes it as potentially ‘the largest immersive installation ever made,’ accessible 24/7 throughout its three-week exhibition.
JR’s team has conducted extensive engineering and safety studies, including tests at Paris’s Orly airport hangar, to ensure structural integrity and emergency preparedness. Visitor numbers will be regulated in consultation with authorities, with continuous monitoring throughout the installation period.
Beyond its physical presence, the work engages with philosophical themes, explicitly referencing Plato’s allegory of the cave as commentary on contemporary digital realities. ‘What are our caves today? Our phones,’ JR notes, drawing parallels between the cave’s shadow reality and algorithmic social media environments.
The installation coincides with Paris Fashion Week and World Music Day, with the bridge closing to traffic during this period, creating a unique cultural convergence in the heart of the French capital.