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'Magical portal' opens between Dublin and New York

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'Magical portal' opens between Dublin and New York

A new art installation designed to make people use their sci-fi imagination has opened connecting Ireland and America.

The 'portals' opened in Dublin and New York to offer a live video link of the other city to people who live there - 3,000 miles part.

When it was unveiled, crowds gathered to greet to people on the other side of the world with signs, messages and special performances.

The idea came from Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys and allows people on either side of the Atlantic Ocean to interact with each other.

What do you think of this idea? Would you like a live stream portal to the Amazon, or even the Moon? Let us know which part of the world YOU would like to connect to in the comments below.

Portal aims to bring people together

Image source, Reuters
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There have even been live dance perfomances on both sides at the same time

It's not the first time Mr Glys has tried this project - his first 'portal' connected the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and the Polish city of Lublin in 2021.

Although it's really a live videofeed in a fancy frame- and doesn't have any audio or sound connection - the artist says his project is all about bringing people in different countries closer together to help them understand each other more.

Image source, Reuters
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Crowds gathered to see each other as the 'portal' was opened

鈥淧ortals are an invitation to meet people above borders and differences and to experience our world as it really is 鈥 united and one,鈥 he said.

鈥淭he 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.鈥

The portal will remain in place over the summer of 2024, with more special performances planned in front of the cameras in both cities.