On April 17th, 2025, the city of Vilnius officially reopened its Portal in a new location in front of Vilnius City Hall, in the heart of the Old Town. This move marks an exciting new chapter for the Portals Network, a global public art initiative that Dublin has proudly been a part of since 2024.
The Vilnius Portal is now more visible and accessible than ever, placed in a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects the cultural and historical richness of Lithuania’s capital. By relocating the Portal to this iconic public space, the city aims to open up new opportunities for engagement both locally and globally.
Here in Dublin, the Portal is located on North Earl Street, just off O’Connell Street. It offers a real-time, 24/7 livestream connecting those in Dublin with people in other cities around the world. It’s a unique experience that invites people to pause, wave, smile, and share a simple but meaningful moment with someone they might never otherwise meet.
“By relocating the Portal to Town Hall Square, we are symbolically opening the heart of the city to everyone — regardless of where they live,” said Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius.
The reopening celebration in Vilnius featured live performances and participation from across the Portal cities. Events like these highlight how the network is creating shared moments and rethinking how cities can communicate with one another.
The project is led by the Lithuanian-based organisation Portals.org, founded by artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys. Since 2021, they’ve been working with cities, governments, and private partners to install these architectural video sculptures in public spaces across the globe.
“The new position in the heart of the city increases the significance and weight of this bridge to a united planet that we are all building together — one Portal at a time,” said Gylys.
For more information on the Portals network, visit portals.org.