Meeting humanity as it is, for the first time. Portals were born from a feeling that we humans have more to share than what separates us; and from a sense that we are all interconnected on this planet of ours. The roots of the project go back to 2016 and marked the beginning of a global movement in both the physical and virtual worlds.
"In 2016 I stopped believing that the success manual of our century deeply installed into my system will make me satisfied. After developing several online ventures I had success symbols to show and a painful lack of meaning to hide. Finally surrendering and sincerely admitting that I do not know anything about reality led me to a mystical experience where I felt oneness with all life on Earth for two weeks.
After this experience I started seeing our world with different eyes and the default worldview which kept forcing me to see our planet through a lens full of narratives and filters became unbearable. I felt a deep need to counter polarising ideas and to communicate that the only way for us to continue our journey on this beautiful spaceship called Earth is together. I did not want to enter the ring and fight but to offer something with love and light."
Benediktas Gylys, Founder @ portals.org
2016
Idea
Conceived by Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, the initial concept was shaped by a diversity of people coming together. Adding perspectives on design and engineering, the foundation for Portals was formed.
2020
Manifestation
Bringing the concept to reality, Benediktas provided the majority of financial resources needed to build the first two Portals. Together with a team from the nearby VilniusTech technology university, both Portal sculptures were manifested in Lithuania.
2021
Launch
The first Portals opened in May 2021, bridging the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and the Polish city of Lublin. Beyond inviting local citizens, Portals quickly spread online and in the press reaching hundreds of millions of people within the initial months of operation.
2023
INCORPORATION
Portals Organization UAB was incorporated with offices in Vilnius and Berlin. Bringing together a talented team, the next generation of Portal sculptures were developed and fabricated, and new partnerships were forged to expand Portals globally.
2024
Network
Portals are finally becoming a network with the launch of new Portals in New York City and Dublin. For the first time, the livestream moves beyond two cities into a rotation between multiple Portal locations. This achievement was enabled by years of invisible work by a growing team behind the project.
2025
community
By collaborating with leading brands and artists - such as Cian Ducrot, Disney and chess.com - Portals evolved into a unique global stage at the intersection of the physical and digital world. Hosting small and large scale experiences, Portals bring together a global community in a shared sense of unity.
2032
CO-OWNERSHIP
Portals have expanded to most countries of planet Earth, backed by a global community of partners and co-creators. Mechanisms for collective decision making distribute value among our community and enable Portals to be a unique platform for and by humanity.
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