Paris's oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, has withstood centuries of weather, but the temporary installation it was meant to host proved less resilient. On Tuesday, high winds and heavy downpours tore the canvas of JR's 'La Caverne du Pont-Neuf', forcing a postponement of its planned 6 June opening.
The project partners—Atelier JR, the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, and the Amicale des Ponts de Paris—announced the delay in a joint statement. 'The decision has been taken to postpone the opening of the work to a date after 6 June, which will be set in light of the findings of the assessment,' they said. A technical inspection is currently underway to determine the full extent of the damage.
Photos and videos on social media show a torn canvas revealing the inflatable structure beneath. The artwork, a rocky trompe-l'œil, was intended to be a tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who wrapped the Pont Neuf in fabric in 1985. Like that earlier project, 'La Caverne' is entirely funded through private sponsorship.
An Immersive Sensory Experience
The installation was designed to engage all the senses. A soundscape by Thomas Bangalter, formerly of Daft Punk, and an olfactory component by perfume house Odore Scola were meant to 'infuse an essential component of this installation: the air, with narrative and emotional weight.' The artwork was to be accessible free of charge, 24 hours a day, until 28 June.
JR, known for his large-scale public art, has previously transformed landmarks in Venice and elsewhere. The Pont Neuf project, however, has drawn mixed reactions from Parisians and visitors alike. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday morning to outline next steps.
For more on JR's work, see our earlier coverage: JR Turns Paris's Pont Neuf into a Cavern for Three-Week Immersive Art Installation.
