It’s BACK: The Olympic Cauldron Returns to the Tuileries for Summer 2025
The Paris 2024 cauldron reappears in the Tuileries Garden this summer, catching the eye of passersby and sports fans alike between June 21 and September 14, 2025.
Opening to the public from June 22, the display is visible daily from 10:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Entry doesn’t cost a cent, requires no advance booking, and is set up at ground level—a noticeable change from the restricted access during the Olympic Games.
To mark the cauldron’s seasonal comeback, organizers plan a large concert as a highlight for visitors and locals. The cauldron itself gets “inflated”—its main structure is prepared a few days earlier, around June 10, turning its relaunch into a full-fledged event.
The first lighting is scheduled to coincide with music, festivities, and a wave of nostalgia for last year’s sporting triumphs.
Special Lighting Rules
One striking detail: the cauldron will burn with a white flame this time, distinct from the traditional fiery yellow-orange of the actual Games.
This difference is meant to separate the commemorative display from the official Olympic flame, which regulations say should only burn during the Games period.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has occasionally been flexible with this rule, allowing the white flame for these annual displays, but not the official Olympic version.
For clarity, the cauldron won’t go by its previous title—labels such as “Olympic cauldron” or “Paralympic cauldron” are off-limits.
Instead, options like “Vasque Paris 2024” are in circulation, though nothing is confirmed as final. However it’s named, the structure will retain its original design, with minor tweaks to reinforce durability, as it wasn’t initially conceived for yearly reappearances.
Technology and Environmental Impact
Like during the Games, the cauldron’s inner workings rely on an electric system developed with EDF.
Lighting effects are achieved by mixing clouds of water vapor and innovative lighting, avoiding traditional fuels for a cleaner, more modern spectacle.
This technological twist keeps environmental impacts minimal and offers a sight that’s both striking and sustainable.
Access Summary Table:
| Aspect | 2024 Games | Summer Display (2025+) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Access | Restricted, ticketed | Open, free, no reservation |
| Flame Color | Yellow-orange (Olympic flame) | White (commemorative) |
| Name Used | “Olympic/Paralympic cauldron” | “Vasque Paris 2024” or similar |
| Lighting Fuel | Traditional | Electric, water vapor & lights |
| Main Showcase | Nightfall events, ceremonies | Evening takeoff & concerts |
Other highlights sync with key dates. On July 26, the anniversary of the Olympic opening ceremony, expect additional celebrations, although the precise schedule remains a well-kept secret. Nightfall remains the chosen moment for dazzling takeoffs, borrowing the drama and excitement of the original festivities.
Below is a quick Q&A for easy reference:
Q: Can visitors approach the cauldron?
A: Yes, with no entry fee or reservations needed.
Q: Will the flame look the same as during the Olympics?
A: No, the color changes to white for clarity.
Q: Can it be called the “Olympic cauldron?”
A: No, due to naming restrictions.
The return is managed through cooperation between several officials, notably the President, the Minister of Culture, and the Paris Mayor, hoping to recreate the soaring atmosphere of the previous summer.
After Los Angeles 2028: Where Does the Cauldron Go Next?
With the Paris display set to run until the summer before the 2028 Los Angeles Games, attention naturally shifts to the cauldron’s long-term home. Will it settle into a new location, or does it face storage until the next Olympic wave?
One strong candidate is Hangar Y in Meudon, a site with significant historical value. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1878, Hangar Y once housed airships and now hosts exhibitions and large-scale art installations.
Since its reopening in 2023 as a cultural venue, it’s become a logical successor site; its spacious interior can comfortably accommodate sizable art and scientific objects.
In recent months, Mathieu Lehanneur, who designed the cauldron, paid a visit to Hangar Y to assess its possibilities. The leadership at Hangar Y, particularly general manager Jean-Michel Crovesi, has publicly stated their readiness to display the cauldron.
They argue that the site’s heritage—blending technical innovation and artistic display—aligns well with the cauldron’s own identity as both a sporting symbol and a feat of design.
Timeline at a Glance:
| Year | Event | Location/Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games | Temporary installation |
| 2025-2028 | Summer seasonal display | Tuileries Garden |
| Post-2028 | Possible relocation (pending decision) | Hangar Y or other |
While the summer tradition continues, the fate of the cauldron after 2028 is open but closely watched. What’s clear: its journey is far from over.
