Time-lapse footage shows huge ‘cave’ swelling in Paris bridge

Timelapse footage shows Paris’ oldest bridge transformed into a giant inflatable cave structure overnight.

The 17th-century Pont Neuf, a familiar landmark spanning the Seine, was virtually unrecognizable to Parisians on Thursday.

It is titled “La Caverne” or “The Cave” and was created by French artist Jene-René, better known by his pen name JR. It is the latest in a series of large-scale art installations across the city, measuring 120m long and 12-18m high.

JR told AP News that he hopes the piece, which will open to the public on June 6, will “juxtapose the roughness and wildness of Paris with its refined elegance.”

“There’s also a kind of unknown,” he added, “a fear, going into the cave—and at the same time, a fascination.”

Once open, the installation will run until June 28.