New Light for the Oldest Bridge – Pont Neuf Reimagined

The Pont Neuf, despite its name being “New Bridge,” is the oldest standing bridge in Paris, France, and remains a significant architectural and historical landmark. Spanning the River Seine at the western tip of the Île de la Cité, it connects the two banks of the river – the Right Bank to the north and the Left Bank to the south.

Commissioned by King Henry III in 1578 and completed in 1607 under the reign of Henry IV, it signaled a shift in bridge design, emphasizing functionality and elegance.

The architect Jean Baptiste Androuet du Cerceau (1544 – 1590), designed the 232-meter-long bridge. It blends early Renaissance architectural elements with the practical needs of medieval Paris. Its semi-circular bastions and wide roadways, 22 meters across, were cutting-edge at the time. These features accommodated both pedestrian and carriage traffic, while its solid stone construction ensured the bridge’s durability through centuries of use. Pont Neuf also showcases 381 mascarons, or stone masks, which adorn its arches, adding a whimsical yet historic touch. An equestrian statue of King Henry IV stands at the center of the bridge, further cementing its status as an important Parisian monument.

Fast forward to today, the historic bridge has been graced with the elegant lighting design created by Alain Maitre at Citelum. The City of Paris, in collaboration with GVA and their regional partner Abak, updated the bridge’s lighting system while holding true to the original lighting scheme. GVA’s HIGHLIGHTER® and STR10™ luminaires were selected to further enhance the system’s dynamic and color-changing capabilities, thus further elevating its nighttime presence.

An impressive amount of luminaries was shipped to make this vision come to life, including 510 linear meters (1,667 feet) of HIGHLIGHTER® GEN4 COLOR-CHANGING in a custom Cove-Outdoor configuration and 210 linear meters (692 feet) of STR10™ COLOR-CHANGING luminaries. The centralized 44 kW INFINITY® Power Supply provides uninterrupted, long runs with maximum efficiency, ensuring continuous lighting performance.

GVA’s INFINITY®, COLOR-AMP®, and COLOR-STREAM® technologies were utilized to the fullest to ensure smooth dimming and transitions between lighting effects. These innovations not only highlight the bridge’s historic features but also extend its legacy as part of Paris’s identity as the “City of Light.” The smooth, seamless effects create an engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.

With the commissioning completed in preparation for the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Pont Neuf is now a shining highlight amid the charming Parisian backdrop during the greatest international sporting event. The newly illuminated bridge will be an integral part of the city’s transformation, symbolizing a blend of history and innovation that captivates the world’s attention.


Supplier Partners

Lighting Designer Partners

Trophies created by

Supported by

Organised by

In collaboration with