The Portal: Connecting Dublin and New York City in real time
New York City and Dublin are now one step closer together thanks to the launch of two ground breaking public technology sculptures: Dublin Portal and NYC Portal, collectively called The Portal.
The two sculptures feature a 24/7 livestream from the Portal in the other city, creating a visual bridge between the two iconic cities. Conceived as a testament to the power of art to transcend physical barriers, The Portal allows real time interaction between Dubliners, New Yorkers and visitors to each city through the livestreams.
Visiting The Portal in Dublin and New York
You can visit Dublin’s Portal facing the capital’s main street, O’Connell Street, capturing the vista of both Dublin’s General Post Office (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.
New York’s Portal is located on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street, next to the famous Flatiron Building. It 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).
Meet above borders and differences
Speaking about the art concept, Benediktas Gylys, Lithuanian artist and founder of The Portal, says: “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.”
The Portal was launched on 8 May 2024, and the connection between Dublin and New York City will run through to August 2024. It was unveiled in Dublin with a performance by the Liberties Majorettes, a nod to our New York connection.
Launching the Dublin Portal, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste says: “We are delighted to connect Dublin with New York which we share a deep historical and cultural bond with. 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.”
Facilitating connections
Science and technology are facilitating connection across the Atlantic Ocean, providing a captivating installation and global interconnectedness for visitors.
New York City Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu, says: “Two amazing global cities, connected in real-time and space. That is something you do not see every day. 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.”
Scheduled programming
Through the summer, 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.
For more information on the upcoming events for The Portal, visit portals.org/dublin and portals.org/new-york-city or tag #NYCMeetsDublinPortal on social media if you pay The Portal a visit.
If you’re feeling inspired by the view of Dublin through the Portal, there are 14 direct flights from New York to Dublin every week that will take you straight there, to take in the sights in person.
The Portal is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dublin City Council, the EU Capital of Smart Tourism, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, Simons Foundation, NYC DOT Art, and the portals.org team.