Liebherr MK 88-4.1 Crane Supports Art Restoration on Paris’ Pont-Neuf
A Liebherr MK 88-4.1 mobile construction crane from the Ponticelli group supported repairs to JR’s monumental art installation, ‘La Caverne du Pont-Neuf,’ in central Paris.
The crane helped repair the temporary installation after strong winds and hail damaged parts of its outer shell. Its compact design, rapid setup and 45-metre trolley jib allowed the team to work within the restricted conditions of the historic Pont-Neuf.
Crane Supports Repairs to Pont-Neuf Artwork
‘La Caverne du Pont-Neuf’ is a walk-in rock grotto created by French artist JR. The temporary installation pays tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s famous wrapping of the Pont-Neuf in 1985.
The new artwork features an inflatable structure measuring approximately 120 metres in length. In early June, strong winds and hail damaged sections of its outer shell.
Ponticelli responded within hours. The company worked with project managers to develop a lifting solution that would allow the damaged sections to be repaired safely.
“We were on site just a few hours after the damage occurred to work out the best technical solution together with the client,” said Louis-Arthur de Quatrebarbes, Head of the Handling/Lifting Agency at Ponticelli.
Compact Crane Suits Historic Bridge
The repair work took place on the oldest bridge in Paris. The listed structure offered limited working space and remained subject to high visitor traffic.
Load-distribution plates helped reduce ground pressure on the historic bridge. Meanwhile, safety and traffic management measures supported the lifting operation.
The team initially planned to use a larger mobile crane. However, the Liebherr MK 88-4.1 offered a more suitable solution for the site conditions.
Its 45-metre trolley jib could reach all damaged sections of the installation. Furthermore, the four-axle design allowed the crane to move between different areas of the bridge.
The crane’s compact outrigger system also helped reduce setup requirements. In addition, its movable cab provided the operator with a clear view of the approximately 18-metre-high structure and rope access technicians.
Precision During Night Repairs
The repair operation took place across four night shifts. Crews lifted damaged fabric sections weighing between 200 and 400 kilograms before reattaching them with support from rope access technicians.
Because the Pont-Neuf sits within a wind corridor along the River Seine, teams continuously monitored weather conditions. The crane operator and rope access technicians also maintained constant radio communication.
Before the lifting work began, teams completed site inspections, load calculations and collision analyses involving nearby buildings. A 360-degree test then confirmed the planned crane position.
Liebherr Crane Becomes Part of the Artwork
For Ponticelli, the project combined technical lifting requirements with an unusual artistic setting.
“We are proud to have been part of this work of art,” said de Quatrebarbes. “The visually striking deployment of the MK crane created a magical moment.”
The operation demonstrated the Liebherr MK 88-4.1’s suitability for demanding urban projects. Its reach, compact footprint and flexibility allowed crews to work within a historic site while supporting the restoration of a large-scale temporary artwork.
