How JR Transformed Paris’s Oldest Bridge Into a Massive Grotto

French artist JR has transformed Paris's Pont Neuf, the city's oldest bridge, into a massive inflatable grotto titled *La Caverne du Pont Neuf* (2026). The installation measures 120 meters long, 20 meters wide, and up to 18 meters tall, and will be open to the public from June 6 to June 28. It incorporates sound design by Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk, augmented reality via Snap Inc., and a Bloomberg Connect guide. Over 800 people helped realize the project, which was fabricated from 18,900 square meters of fabric and 20,000 cubic meters of pressurized air by French firm Air Toiles Concept. The work concludes a five-year series of large-scale trompe l'oeil pieces by JR and pays homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude's *The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Paris* (1975–85), with the blessing of their foundation.

JR: 'Reflecting on the cave is to look at our deep humanity, our origins, art in general'

JR : « Réfléchir à la caverne, c’est se pencher sur notre humanité profonde, sur nos origines, sur l’art en général »

French artist JR is transforming the Pont-Neuf in Paris into a giant inflatable cave structure, titled "La Caverne du Pont-Neuf," set to debut on May 23, 2026. The project, conceived with producer Vladimir Yavachev, pays homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude's 1985 wrapped Pont-Neuf, using inflatable techniques inspired by Christo's unrealized designs. JR's team built a prototype in a hangar at Orly, and the work involves complex permissions from the French president, the Paris mayor, and local authorities.

The Top 5 Art Exhibitions to see in London right now

Tabish Khan, the @LondonArtCritic, selects five current exhibitions in London. These include Aleksandra Karpowicz's 'Remember What You Forgot' at Felstead Art, which transforms her cancer treatment into a powerful installation; Gabriel Abrantes' 'Bardo Loops' at Gasworks, featuring emotionally charged video works; Racheal Crowther's 'Liquid Trust' at Chisenhale Gallery, examining psychological manipulation through a militaristic structure; Eleanor May Watson's 'There is No Time Like Spring' at Soho Revue, capturing nostalgic domestic moments; and the group show 'South Open 4' at OHSH Projects, showcasing diverse works from an open call.

South London Gallery marks its 135th anniversary with SLG Forever exhibition at Christie’s

The South London Gallery (SLG) is celebrating its 135th anniversary with 'SLG Forever,' a special fundraising exhibition in partnership with Christie’s. Open to the public in London from 5–25 June 2026, with an online component until 30 September, the show features donated works by over 25 major British and international artists, including Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Edmund de Waal, Yinka Shonibare, and Firelei Báez. The exhibition launches alongside the SLG Forever campaign, which aims to raise £2 million to support building upgrades, new commissions, and the expansion of the gallery’s Communities & Learning programmes.