The Portal, a sculpture connecting people and cities through real-time video, has been relocated to the historical and cultural heart of Vilnius – Town Hall Square – where it officially opened to residents and visitors Thursday evening.
After capturing the attention of hundreds of millions of people worldwide, the sculpture continues its mission of building bridges between cities and societies from its new central location.
Previously installed at the Vilnius railway station, the sculpture was moved Thursday to enhance its visibility and symbolic value in the city’s core.
Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said the decision to relocate the Portal supports the artwork’s underlying message.
“Vilnius has always been open to the world – our history shows that clearly,” Benkunskas said. “We are a city and a community that invites people to create together. By moving the Portal to Town Hall Square, we symbolically open the heart of the city to everyone – regardless of where they live. I hope people will not only stop here but also connect – even if it’s through a screen.”
Benediktas Gylys, the philanthropist behind the idea, said the relocation will help the city present itself more authentically.
“The network of Portal sculptures is a bridge to a united world – an invitation for people to meet beyond national borders, labels and prejudices,” Gylys said. “Communities in Dublin, Lublin and Philadelphia are eagerly awaiting connection with the heart of Vilnius through their own city’s Portal.”
The opening event also featured a unique street dance performance by the Underground dance studio, which added a dynamic, universal language to the celebration.
Dance was chosen intentionally, organisers said, as rhythm and movement express the city’s energy, openness and vibrancy. The performance marked the new location of the sculpture with symbolic movement at the heart of the capital.
First installed in Vilnius, the Portal is now a growing international network linking cities via real-time video. Its latest node – right in Town Hall Square – will now serve as a central point of connection.
The Portals Organization is currently building three new sculptures that will soon bring three additional countries from different continents into the network. Plans are also underway to install a new Portal in Ukraine.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
