The Philadelphia Portal art installation at LOVE Park connects City of Broverly Love with several international cities

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — An art installation “portal” at Philadelphia’s LOVE Park is now activated, connecting the City of Brotherly Love with several international cities.

The portal first appeared last Friday and the city officially launched it on Tuesday.

It was activated at 10 a.m. during a special unveiling ceremony.

“What may seem like a simple camera is actually a gateway – a direct connection to cities, people and cultures around the world,” said Michael Newmuis of the City of Philadelphia. “The portal offers a look into the future and what is possible.”

The bright, shiny structure has amazed Philadelphians.

Now Philadelphia residents can look through and say hello to people in a variety of international cities, including Dublin, Ireland; Vilnius, Lithuania; and Lublin, Poland.

Soon, Philadelphia will be able to connect to more cities as more “portals” are installed around the world.

Organizers say this sets our city up for the world stage as we prepare for Philadelphia's 250th anniversary celebrations and also host the World Cup and MLB All-Star Game.

The Philadelphia portal was relocated from New York City, where it also connected visitors to Dublin.

“Like the Liberty Bell, there is a small crack, but that will not stop us from making history through this incredible, beautiful portal,” Newmuis added.

RELATED: “Inappropriate” behavior closes portal from Dublin to New York City

The “Portals” are technology-based public art sculptures that connect to other sculptures internationally and provide an unfiltered, real-time live stream 24/7. It allows visitors to observe and interact with one another from thousands of miles away.

The project was launched in 2021 by a Lithuanian artist to meet people across borders and unite the world.

People Action News spoke to said it was fascinating and they were thrilled it was here in Philadelphia.

“I am a bit like art. It’s kind of thought-provoking,” said Stan Karwoski of St. Paul, Minnesota. “I’m from Minnesota, so it kind of looks like a hockey puck with a hole in it.”

“It reminds me of the scary movie 'The Ring,' like the girl climbs out of it or something like that,” said Brett Sommerer of Northeast Philadelphia.

Portals are trying to find permanent homes, and while this lasted only a short time in New York City, the hope is to establish a permanent location in Philadelphia.

Officials said the installation project was at no cost to the city.