Paris: work under way on 'The Cave of Pont Neuf', opening postponed indefinitely

Published on 04/06/2026 - 18:52 GMT+2•Updated

19:57

No new opening date has yet been set for JR's installation overlooking the Seine, even though repairs have begun. A process that will continue "at the very least over the coming days and into next week", according to a statement from the project's partners sent to Euronews.

This gigantic 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 due to an "exceptional weather event".

Limited damage and "weather hazards"

According to newly available information, the tear in the fabric 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 parts of the inflatable structure.

However, refurbishment operations can only be carried out once "weather conditions have returned to seasonal norms", the statement says, emphasising the safety of the teams working on site.

The torn fabric itself will be restored in a workshop. As for putting it back in shape, "several options are being examined", given the colossal dimensions of the work: 2,400 m² of ground area, 120 metres long, 20 metres wide and high points ranging from 12 to 18 metres.

The work is sometimes compared with other monumental installations that have sparked controversy, such as Paul McCarthy's Christmas tree or Alex Da Corte's inflatable frog, unveiled in 2014 and 2025 respectively on Place Vendôme.

The inauguration of "La Caverne", designed to "question the public's relationship with the city", was initially scheduled for 6 June. A new date will only be set "in the light of progress" on the work.