It seems to be out of a movie to have a window looking out into distant locations to greet foreign social circles and cultures. The Portal, a public technology sculpture arriving in New York City and Dublin this spring, is set to make this cinematic fantasy into a reality. Serving as a visual bridge, the installation will transmit a real-time unfiltered live stream of both cities, transcending physical barriers and putting New Yorkers and Dubliners just a portal away.
The Portal is an invitation to experience the world above prejudices and difference “as it really is – united and one.” Conceived by Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, The Portal is a partnership between cities, governments, and private organizations to link cities with these technological sculptures. The first of its kind arrived in 2021, with portals linking Lithuania and Poland. Once the New York City and Dublin Portals are inaugurated, tourists and locals alike will be able to take a glimpse of city life on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
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In New York City, The Portal will be installed next to the landmark Flatiron Building at one of the city’s most dynamic intersections, between Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd street. In Dublin, the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism, the sculpture will be installed on O’Connell Street, the city’s main drag. This location will capture Dublin’s GPO building and the Spire. On view will be identical circular concrete sculptures with a round screen at its center, allowing human connection across borders through a video-call-like projection.
Bringing the vision to life was a coordinated collaboration between the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, the Simons Foundation, the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art), and the City of Dublin.
“This project exemplifies the fusion of technology and engineering to bring communities from across the world closer together,” Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste said in a press statement.
The Portal connection between New York City and Dublin will begin in the spring and go through the fall. Additionally, scheduled programming will kick off in mid-May including a visual program in celebration of the NYCxDESIGN Festival and other cultural performances. Programming will be available to both cities via livestream through The Portal.
“Two amazing global cities, connected in real time and space. That is something you do not see every day!” New York City Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu said in a press statement.
