The world came a long way from where it started overcoming some darkest shadows. Still, we can do better. Our inability to embrace those who think, speak and dress differently causes separation. The roots of this problem, we need to work hard to win it.
That’s why Lithuania and Poland set the very example to the modern world via this “portal”. It is a virtual bridge that connects Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, and the historical Polish city, Lublin. The circular-shaped portal is located near the Vilnius train station, and in Lublin, it’s on Plac Litewski. The screen lets you see people in the other city. People from both cities can wave at each other. To do this, the portal has screens and cameras to broadcast the other city live.
The project finished during the pandemic and gave the connectivity that people were yearning for. Although the portal is silent, the creators plan to enable the noise during special events.
The brain behind the project, Benediktas Gylys teamed up with the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University’s Creativity & Innovation Centre. In the beginning, the team looked for a suitable partner. Would you believe that these two cities were destined for this amazing experience? It is a miracle how the city Lublin was chosen for the portal project. The two historical cities were once connected with the Union of Lublin that signed on 1 July 1569. That union created the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Back then, the single state was one of the largest countries in Europe.
Once
again after about half a millennium, they can feel empathy, compassion, and the
friendship they once shared. The Vilnius -Lublin portal may be the very first,
and it will last until August. But the project will continue throughout the
world, bridging new cities and friendships. There’s no doubt that Portal is one
of the coolest steps towards those friendships.
Image credits: Vilnius Tech Linkmenų fabrikas
