The cultural bond between Ireland and New York got a little stronger this week. A new public art installation “The Portal” debuted in Dublin and Manhattan on Wednesday, with a 24/7 live stream connecting the two cities. The sculpture, on view in New York City’s Flatiron District and on Dublin’s O’Connell Street, allows residents and visitors of both places to interact in real-time, bringing together people on either side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Created by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys, The Portal was revealed in 2021 in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Lublin, Poland. At the time, Gylys described the project as a “bridge that unifies” and “an invitation to rise above prejudices and disagreements that belong to the past,” as The Verge reported.
The Flatiron NoMad Partnership is presenting the sculpture in collaboration with the Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art) and the Simons Foundation. In New York, The Portal can be found on the Flatiron South Public Plaza, at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, with the iconic Flatiron Building as a backdrop.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste turning on the “portal” to New York.
In Dublin, the Portal faces O’Connell Street and offers a view of the General Post Office building and the Spire of Dublin. As 6sqft reported, the Dublin City Council delivered the sculpture as part of its designation as the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024.
Wednesday’s unveiling included performances by PMT House of Dance and The Liberties Majorettes.
“Two amazing global cities, connected in real time and space. That is something you do not see every day!” Ya-Ting Liu, the city’s Chief Public Realm Officer Officer, said. “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.”
The Portal link between Dublin and New York will run through the fall. Programming and performances will run throughout its run, kicking off this month to coincide with New York City Design Week.
A ‘portal’ to Dublin opens in New York City
By Devin Gannon
May 9, 2024
Cover photo: All photos courtesy of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership