A Portal procession: Philly’s Portal installed at City Hall following Art Museum drive-by
Philly's Portal moved to City Hall Monday morning following a procession along the Ben Franklin Parkway. But the trip got off to a late start.
A heavy-duty semi-trailer was parked along John F. Kennedy Boulevard as men in neon vests secured the Portal — the virtual video art installation that connects people around the world — with red bungees to the low bed.
Philadelphia’s Portal installation took a trip down the road from LOVE Park, where it debuted in October, to its new home at City Hall. But not before taking a short victory lap.
The joyride, which was supposed to begin at around 9 a.m. Monday, was delayed more than an hour. Power issues appeared to slow things down as techs could be seen working to get the Portal’s visual displays turned on. Organizers didn’t respond to a request for comment by publication time.
Once the 3.5-ton circular video screen was live, accompanied by a police escort and Portal director Joe Callahan, the Portal embarked on its “procession” from LOVE Park, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The video screen was active during the move, displaying live feeds, including from the Rocky steps.
The procession was expected to last about 15 minutes, not accounting for the delay to kick things off. Organizers had planned to have the Portal installed and online for City Hall visitors by lunchtime.
The move was initially sparked by at least two incidents of vandalism that occurred while the Portal sat at LOVE Park — a situation distinctive to Philly, with none of the nearly half dozen other global Portals experiencing similar issues.
Organizers also chalked the move up to convenience: Moving it before the holiday season meant avoiding a temporary relocation of the heavy hardware for the annual Christmas Village.
Locals were encouraged to vote between the Portal remaining at LOVE Park (but closer to the LOVE sculpture) or moving to the City Hall courtyard. Portal organizers didn’t disclose how many votes were received but announced Monday that a move was in the works.
The Portal is expected to stay in Philadelphia through the country’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026. Organizers say the move to City Hall will also mark the start of a series of activations and events.