The Paris 2024 Olympics introduces a groundbreaking, flying cauldron powered by electricity, symbolizing unity and eco-friendly innovation.
For the first time ever, the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 showcased an innovative and unprecedented cauldron design, marking a historic moment in the tradition of the Olympics. Unlike traditional cauldrons stationed on the ground, this cauldron ascends into the sky at sunset, hovering 30 meters above the ground. Designed by French artist Mathieu Lehanneur, the cauldron symbolizes unity, resembling a hot air balloon in tribute to the Montgolfier brothers, pioneers of balloon flight.
The Olympic flame burns within a seven-meter-wide “ring of fire” inside Lehanneur’s cauldron, a 30-meter-tall monument. It reflects fraternity, one of France’s core values. Located at the historic Jardin des Tuileries, near iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, the cauldron’s site holds historical significance There, in 1783, the Montgolfier brothers set out their first balloon ride in front of 400,000 onlookers, including King Louis XVI.
“The torch, the torch relay cauldron and the Olympic cauldron are not separate objects. They are chapters in one great story. Each embodies the spirit of the Paris Games. The cauldron takes the form of a ring of fire suspended above a liquid surface. Both pure and magical, it seems to float and is reflected in its metallic base. If the torch is a sacred fire that is passed on, the cauldron is the object around which we gather and which unites our energies,” according to Lehanneur.
This cauldron stands out for its eco-friendly design. It is entirely powered by electricity, utilizing 40 LED lights and 200 misting nozzles to simulate real fire. Unlike past Olympics, visitors can freely access the cauldron area, offering an immersive experience and photo opportunities. The Paris Games’ innovative cauldron reflects the event’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
