Groundbreaking "Portal" Sculptures Forge Real-Time Visual Bridge Between Dublin and New York City

Newly unveiled public art technology sculptures bring together people of two iconic cities

Wednesday, 08 May 2024, Dublin – In a special event spanning two continents, today officials in Dublin and New York City, simultaneously debuted two groundbreaking public technology sculptures—Dublin Portal and NYC Portal —collectively called “The Portal.” The Portal forms an unprecedented visual bridge between these two iconic cities. Each sculpture features a 24/7 visual livestream from the Portal in the other city, allowing real-time interaction between Dubliners, New Yorkers, and visitors to these two global destinations.

Dublin Portal faces the capital's main street, O'Connell Street, and captures the iconic vista of both Dublin’s famous GPO building and the Spire together. Dublin City Council has delivered the sculpture as part of its designation as the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024. The Portal was unveiled today by The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí De Róiste, and included a captivating performance by The Liberties Majorettes in a nod to the New York connection.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste commenting from the launch said:

"One of my key aims as Lord Mayor is to make the City more inclusive. The Portals project embodies this, bringing together technology, engineering and art to bring communities from across the world closer together and to allow people to meet and connect outside of their social circles and cultures. We are delighted to connect Dublin with New York which we share a deep historical and cultural bond with. From July the Dublin Portal will also connect to other global city destinations in Poland, Brazil and Lithuania. I would encourage Dubliners and visitors to the City to come and interact with the sculpture and extend an Irish welcome and kindness to cities all over the world. This project is an example of one of the many exciting things to expect in Dublin during 2024 as part of our EU Capital of Smart Tourism Designation."

NYC Portal is located on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the famed Flatiron Building, and is presented by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in collaboration with the Simons Foundation, and the New York City Department of Transportation Art Program (NYC DOT Art).  

The Portal connection between Dublin and New York City will run through to Autumn of 2024. Throughout that time, there will be scheduled programming, including cultural performances at each city’s Portal that will be enjoyed by people in the other city via the livestream. Programming will kick-off in mid-May with a visual program to celebrate New York Design Week Festival. From July the Dublin Portal will also connect to other global city destinations in Poland, Brazil and Lithuania.

Benediktas Gylys, Lithuanian artist, founder of The Portal and entrepreneur said:

“Portals are an invitation to meet people above borders and differences and to experience our world as it really is—united and one. The livestream provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures, transcend geographical boundaries, and embrace the beauty of global interconnectedness.”

“We are honoured to host the Portal’s North American debut on the Flatiron Public Plazas, at one of New York City’s most dynamic intersections,” said James Mettham, President of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership. “This real-time connection between two iconic public spaces in global cities on either side of the Atlantic will bring people together, both physically and digitally, becoming a captivating attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

“Two amazing global cities, connected in real-time and space. That is something you do not see every day!” said New York City Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “We are so excited to have The Portal as a public interactive art installation, showcasing the vibrancy of our city streets and providing a new point for human connection between New Yorkers and Dubliners.  We thank the City of Dublin, NYC DOT Art Program, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and the Simons Foundation for bringing this vision to life.” 

“We are thrilled to play a part in providing New Yorkers with an awe-inspiring opportunity to connect with people in another major global city through science and technology,” said David Spergel, President of the Simons Foundation.

“It is a delight to celebrate the opening of this captivating installation and see two vibrant global cities connected in real time,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to visit The Portal and experience this unique shared encounter across the Atlantic. We are grateful to the City of Dublin, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and the Simons Foundation for bringing this vision to fruition.”

The Portal is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Flatiron NoMad Partnership, Simons Foundation, NYC DOT Art, Dublin City Council, the EU Capital of Smart Tourism, and portals.org team.

For more information on the upcoming events for Dublin Portal visit portals.org/dublin  or www.dublintown.ie and tag @dublin_ie or #DublinMeetsNYCPortal if you visit the Portal.