Paris Landmark Transforms Into Surreal Tribute to City’s Geology

WHO:

Fast Company - The French street artist JR, also known as the French Banksy, is the creator of the installation.

Fast Company - Vladimir Yavachev, Christo’s nephew, invited JR to create the installation.

Fast Company - The installation features music by Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk and a custom scent by journalist and perfume specialist Sarah Bouasse.

WHAT:

Fast Company - JR transformed the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, with an inflatable envelope wrapped in canvas, creating an immersive installation titled La Caverne du Pont Neuf.

Fast Company - The installation is on view for free through June 28.

Fast Company - The project required around 850 workers and partners to complete.

Observer - The installation turns the 17th-century bridge into an artificial cave for passersby to enter.

Fast Company - The installation features almost 18,900 square meters (203,400 square feet) of printed polyester canvas.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The installation is located on the Pont Neuf in Paris.

Fast Company - The fabric for the installation was produced in Europe and printed in France.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The inspiration for the installation dates back to when JR was 2 years old.

Fast Company - Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrapped the Pont Neuf in 1985.

Fast Company - The installation was delayed due to strong gusts of wind and a hailstorm just days before its inauguration.

WHY:

Fast Company - JR aimed to pay homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who inspired him with their large-scale environmental installations.

Fast Company - JR wanted to create a surreal experience that contrasts with the original work by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, which highlighted the bridge's real features.

HOW:

Fast Company - The installation was assembled by hand by artisans in Brittany.

Fast Company - JR's project involved the use of augmented reality developed by Snap’s AR Studio.

Fast Company - The repair process of the installation was conducted publicly, with climbers scaling the structure to restore it after damage occurred.

(UPDATED June 24, 2026 17:44 UTC)

The French street artist JR, known as the French Banksy, has transformed the historic Pont Neuf in Paris into an immersive installation titled La Caverne du Pont Neuf, featuring music by Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk and a custom scent by journalist Sarah Bouasse. This stunning project, which required around 850 workers to complete, wraps the oldest bridge in Paris in an inflatable envelope made of almost 18,900 square meters of printed polyester canvas, creating an artificial cave for visitors to explore. JR's installation, inspired by the legendary works of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, is on view for free until June 28, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of artisans from Brittany while incorporating augmented reality elements developed by Snap’s AR Studio.