Interactive Sculpture Portal Connects Cities Across Continents 

Benediktas Gylys‘ interactive sculpture, Portal, has taken the world by storm since its initial installations in Vilnius and Lublin. This year, on May 8, the interactive sculpture expanded its reach by connecting New York City and Dublin, quickly gaining prominence as a global attraction.

The Portal offers a continuous, real-time connection between its locations. Broadcasting 24/7, it allows viewers in New York to see and interact with people in Dublin, and vice versa. The New York Portal is strategically positioned at the busy intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, while Dublin’s Portal faces the vibrant O’Connell Street.

“The idea behind Portals was to create spaces where people can transcend borders, beliefs, and social bubbles,” explains Gylys. “It’s about fostering genuine human connections beyond our usual social networks.”

A significant milestone was achieved on July 31, when all existing Portals were integrated into a global network. This development enables visitors to spend 3 minutes connecting with people from each city in the network, including New York, Dublin, Lublin, and Vilnius. The aim is to showcase our shared humanity and break down mental barriers that separate us.

Gylys is thrilled with the impact of Portals, noting that the installations have facilitated meaningful connections. He is excited about the future, revealing that new Portals are in development, promising to expand to new continents. “This growing network of sculptures is a unique and unparalleled artistic endeavor,” Gylys adds.

From August 6, visitors can experience live connections with people in New York, Lublin, and Dublin daily from 3 pm to 10 pm. The Portal continues to offer a transformative way to connect with people around the globe.