Paris: work under way on 'La Caverne du Pont Neuf', opening postponed indefinitely
Published on 04/06/2026 - 18:52 GMT+2•Updated 19:38 No new opening date is yet known for JR's...
Published on 04/06/2026 - 18:52 GMT+2•Updated 19:38
No new opening date is yet known for JR's installation overlooking the Seine, even as repairs get under way. The process will continue "at a minimum over the coming days and the week ahead", according to a statement from the project's partners sent to Euronews.
The giant artwork, conceived as a tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who wrapped the Pont-Neuf in 1985, was damaged on Tuesday afternoon during a spell of violent gusts that swept through the capital. Technical experts and engineers deployed on site have confirmed that the incident was caused by an "exceptional weather event".
Limited damage and "weather hazards"
According to newly available information, the tear in the canvas caused "localised damage in three areas of the inflatable envelope".
The project teams stress that "the compartmentalisation of the envelope and the safety systems put in place contained the incident".
The work under way will focus on two aspects: repairing the outer canvas and the affected elements of the inflatable structure.
However, the refurbishment operations can only go ahead once "weather conditions have returned to seasonal norms", the statement notes, emphasising the safety of the crews working on site.
The torn canvas itself will be restored in a workshop. As for putting it back into shape, "several options are being considered", given the colossal dimensions of the work: 2,400 m² of ground area, 120 metres long, 20 metres wide and with high points ranging from 12 to 18 metres in height.
The artwork has been likened to other monumental installations that have stirred controversy, such as Paul McCarthy's Christmas tree or Alex Da Corte's inflatable frog, shown on Place Vendôme in 2014 and 2025 respectively.
The inauguration of "La Caverne", designed to "question the public's relationship with the city", was initially scheduled for 6 June. The new date will only be set "in the light of progress" on the work.
