As one of England’s oldest towns, Ipswich is rich in historic sites and carries a long-standing tradition of trade and cultural exchange. Reflecting this heritage, the Ipswich Portal will serve as a pure and unfiltered window into far away places and cultures - connecting Ipswich with cities including Vilnius (Lithuania), Lubin (Poland), Dublin (Ireland) and Philadelphia (United States) as well as further soon to be announced Portal locations. 

Reflecting on the announcement, Benediktas Gylys, Founder of Portals.org, stated:

“It’s an honor to welcome the historic city of Ipswich into the Portals Network, where a new sculpture invites the world to meet, remember, and dream forward together.”

With planning permission secured, the Ipswich Portal will be built on the historic Cornhill, near City Hall. Commenting on the decision made by Ipswich Borough Council’s Planning & Development Committee, Councillor Neil MacDonald, the Leader of the Council, said: 

“We’re delighted with this opportunity to showcase our ambition for Ipswich as a pioneering digital town, and proud to be the first place in the UK with a Portal that brings live connection to global communities. It signifies a bold step in our town’s strategy to rejuvenate the town centre, attract new visitors, support local businesses, and promote Ipswich as a place of culture, connectivity, and global relevance.”   

Fabrication of the Portal sculpture is currently underway, with an inauguration ceremony planned for this autumn. The exact date and program will be announced soon.

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About portals.org

Portals share an invitation to meet fellow humans above borders and prejudices and to experience our home – planet Earth – as it really is: united and one. Based in Vilnius and Berlin, Portals.org partners with cities, governments, and private organizations to build Portals worldwide. Since their inauguration in 2021, Portals have grown into a global network that serves as a bridge to a united planet.

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