The futuristic-style portal has been installed next to the Vilnius train station, allowing visitors to make contact in real time with residents of Lublin, Poland.
The sci-fi attraction, which resembles a virtual circular door, has a large screen and cameras. Live images can be transmitted between the two cities via the internet.
The portal serves as a virtual bridge to connect people of different cultures. Organisers plan to create various portals across Europe and the world in the near future.
“Humanity is facing many potentially deadly challenges; be it social polarisation, climate change or economic issues,” said Benediktas Gylys, the brainchild of the portal.
Organisers to build more ‘portals’
“However, if we look closely, it’s not a lack of brilliant scientists, activists, leaders, knowledge or technology causing these challenges.”
“It’s tribalism, a lack of empathy and a narrow perception of the world, which is often limited to our national borders,” Gylys said.
“That’s why we’ve decided to bring the portal idea to life – it’s a bridge that unifies and an invitation to rise above prejudices and disagreements that belong to the past,” he added. “It’s an invitation to rise above the us and them illusion.”
The Portal is the result of an international partnership between the Benediktas Gylys Foundation, in cooperation with the City of Vilnius, the City of Lublin and the Crossroads Centre for Intercultural Creative Initiatives.
“The Portal was an impressive and exciting project from the very beginning,” said Adas Meskenas, director of LinkMenų fabrikas.
Meet residents of Lublin, Poland
“From the initial idea to the creation of an interactive bridge connecting cities, it was a complex task that required specific knowledge and technologies,” Meskenas said.
“From design and 3D modelling, to digital content development and logistic challenges – a project like this requires a broad and multifunctional team.”
“Meaningful projects like this one are born when diverse people succeed in working together and achieving synchronicity,” Meskenas added. “And this is just another example of what people who are united can do.”
Earlier this year, Elon Musk’s underground Tesla transportation system beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center was unveiled ahead of its launch.
Images: Go Vilnius
