Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThomas AdamsonTuesday 16 June 2026 21:36 BSTInside, the air carries a distinct scent of earth after rain — damp ancient stone, cellar walls, perhaps a trace of smoke (AP)French street artist JR has transformed Paris's oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, into a monumental art installation named the 'Pont Neuf Cavern', which opened on Monday evening.The temporary installation, crafted largely from printed fabric and air, reimagines the 17th-century bridge as an 18-meter-high artificial cavern, offering free, round-the-clock access until June 28.Visitors are immersed in a multi-sensory experience, featuring a distinct scent of earth after rain, created by olfactory expert Sarah Bouasse, and a sound installation by Thomas Bangalter, formerly of Daft Punk.The project encourages people to experience the familiar crossing through their senses, with JR linking the work to Plato's allegory of the cave and offering an optional augmented-reality experience developed with Snap.Upon its closure, the installation's fabric will be reused or recycled, allowing the Pont Neuf, completed in 1607, to return to its original state.In fullParis teams up with ‘French Banksy’ and Daft Punk star for free new tourist attractionThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in