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Just when you thought a Philly underdog was down and out, this city proves there’s always time for a comeback in the final moments.
The Portal, the unique art installation that allows residents to look into a circular screen and interact with people from around the globe, is staying in Philadelphia after all.
It was set to leave the city today, due to its permit coming to an end and overall costs: the art piece requires $30,000 for its annual maintenance and connectivity.
However, the mayor’s office has announced via social media that the Portal is indeed staying.
“The Portal is staying and we’re working on a long-term solution,” Mayor Cherelle Parker announces in the video, while standing in front of the installation at City Hall while holding an American flag and wearing a big grin.
“Philadelphia hosted the Portal as a guest for America’s 250th birthday, and Philadelphia turned a guest into a family,” the statement reads. “So I’m proud to announce the Portal is not leaving Philadelphia. For now, it will remain at City Hall and there are no plans for it to leave anytime soon.”
According to the post, “a very generous patron” came forward to support the installation.
This means, Philadelphians can continue to connect with strangers in countries such as Lithuania, Poland, Ireland, Brazil, the UK and the Philippines, right in the middle of the city.
“This little window in our courtyard has done something big: it brought the world a little bit closer to Philadelphia — and Philadelphians a little bit closer to each other,” the mayor said in the post. “The Portal is our front porch to the world, and our welcome never closes.”
