The oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf, has woken up transformed into a giant inflatable cave. Named La Caverne, the installation by French artist JR spans 120 meters in length and reaches between 12 and 18 meters in height. A time-lapse video by BBC reveals how the structure was deployed overnight, completely hiding the bridge's historic architecture.
The technical process behind the inflatable installation 🏗️
The work required a coordinated overnight assembly to avoid disruptions to river traffic on the Seine. The structure was made from high-strength textile materials and ventilation systems that maintain constant internal pressure. Engineers calculated the tension on the anchors to withstand wind and the weight of the material. The result is an artificial cavity that replicates the rocky texture of a real cave, with folds and shadows generated by integrated LED lighting.
The bridge that is now a hot air cave 🎈
Parisians, accustomed to seeing the Pont Neuf with its stone arches and benches, now encounter a swollen mass that looks like a hot air balloon fallen from the sky. Tourists, confused, ask if it is a new Disneyland attraction or if the Seine has swallowed the bridge. Meanwhile, street artists are already speculating about renting the cave for caveman-themed weddings. Of course, with the condition of not popping the party.