teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opens its doors to the public in Saadiyat Cultural District
- The innovative multi-sensory art experience redefines the boundaries of immersive art
- Purpose-built 17,000 sqm venue features transformative artworks unique to Abu Dhabi
- Opening music composed and performed by renowned Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi
- teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi takes guests on a sensory-rich journey that transcends the ordinary and ignites curiosity for all
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 18 April 2025: teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi officially opened its transformative multi-sensory art experience within Saadiyat Cultural District, an enriching addition to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic cultural and artistic landscape.
On 17 April, the grand opening celebration welcomed distinguished guests and cultural leaders, featuring a specially composed performance by renowned Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi. Set against the venue’s unique architecture, the score was paired with a dramatic display of 6,000 synchronised drones and pyrotechnics, curated to celebrate the new milestone for Saadiyat Cultural District, and reflect the connection between art, technology and imagination.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a groundbreaking cultural landmark that redefines immersive art experiences on a global scale. It embodies a bold vision that pushes the boundaries of creativity, technology, and human perception, offering visitors an experience unlike any other. Together with our partner, teamLab, we take great pride in bringing this pioneering concept to life, reinforcing our commitment to shaping world-class experiences that inspire, engage, and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s cultural legacy. Saadiyat Cultural District is a cultural landmark of global significance, bringing together the world’s greatest minds and institutions to foster dialogue, inspire creativity, and shape a more connected future.”
Following the opening ceremony, guests were immersed within newly unveiled teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi exhibits, meandering between its inspiring artistic installations, interacting with the dynamic artworks, and experiencing the connection between art, technology and natural phenomena.
Toshiyuki Inoko, Founder of teamLab, said: “The artworks in teamLab Phenomena do not exist independently but are created by the environment which produces the various phenomena that creates the artworks. Objects such as stones and man-made creations maintain a stable structure independently. A stone, for instance, will remain unchanged even if placed in a sealed box, isolated from the outside world. In contrast, a vortex in the ocean will vanish in an instant if removed from its environment. Unlike a stone, a vortex does not sustain itself; it evolves with the surrounding currents, formed by water flowing continuously from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside of the vortex, changing along with the flow. Moreover, the boundaries of its existence are ambiguous, and there is no material distinction between the vortex and its surroundings.
“The unique environment produces the phenomena, and the environment maintains the existence of the structure. Let us call that existence Environmental Phenomena. The artwork is inseparable from the environment and changes along with the environment. This concept transcends the various conventional notions of existence by physical forms. Even if people immerse themselves physically into the artwork, the artwork will remain intact, capable of naturally restoring itself even if disrupted. However, when the environment is not sustained, the artwork will disappear. The boundaries of the artwork are ambiguous and continuous with the environment. Perhaps, people's consciousness will expand from the artwork itself to the environment beyond.”
Spanning 17,000 square metres, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi has been developed by the internationally acclaimed art collective teamLab, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The multi-sensory art experience reflects the emirate’s unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and cultural innovation on a global scale, and it presents massive transformative artworks that each blend art, science and technology in groundbreaking ways.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is designed to explore and transcend the limits of every guest’s imagination. Each artwork within the unique, purpose-built venue will evolve over time through the interplay of light, sound and movement. Unlike artworks at traditional galleries, visitors will discover exhibits that are fluid, existing in a dynamic relationship with their environment. Each artwork responds to guests’ actions and natural changes in the environment, creating a living, breathing art experience, unlike any other.
Comprising two distinct Wet and Dry areas, guests will be immersed in a series of mesmerising visuals, vibrant landscapes and interactive installations that dissolve the boundaries between art and audience. Every moment offers a new philosophical experience, ensuring that each visitor experience is unique.
In the Dry area, visitors will encounter a variety of artworks that encourage interaction, responding to their movements and actions to create a unique connection between guests and the installations. As they move into the Wet area, guests will follow a dedicated walkway leading them into an exciting realm filled with fluid, hands-on experiences that further deepen their connection with the art.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a key addition to Saadiyat Cultural District, which upon completion will be the largest concentration of world-leading cultural and educational institutions. The District is home to an unparalleled lineup of museums and cultural landmarks, including Louvre Abu Dhabi; the upcoming Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE; Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, featuring a global collection of modern and contemporary art that reflects the diversity of cultures and trends from around the world; and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, telling the story of life on earth and the origins of our universe.
The addition of teamLab Phenomena reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural epicentre, offering visitors a unique and transformative experience while showcasing its commitment to creativity, innovation and cultural collaboration on a global scale.
For more information and to purchase tickets: www.teamlababudhabi.com
About teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
The artworks at teamLab Phenomena do not exist independently. The environment creates phenomena which become the artworks.
Immerse yourself in the artworks and become one with the environment.
A universe of living art - teamLab Phenomena.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi features massive transformative artworks across two main areas. Guests are invited to embark on a journey, offering deep, lasting bonds with a larger, universal understanding of the world. Each visit provides a unique, ever-changing experience, allowing guests to explore and transcend the limits of their imagination.
The purpose-built, 17,000 sqm teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi building is populated with unparalleled artworks, creating a unique experience for all visitors to Abu Dhabi, that seamlessly blend art and technology to ignite curiosity, imagination and creativity in all who visit.
Housed in a purpose-built structure, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi was designed by lead Architects MZ Architects in collaboration with teamLab Architects. INPEX is the first sponsor of the 17,000 sqm art space.
Nestled in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the largest purpose-built facility of its kind in the world, is operated by Miral Experiences.
About teamLab
teamLab (f. 2001) is an international art collective. Their collaborative practice seeks to navigate the confluence of art, science, technology, and the natural world. Through art, the interdisciplinary group of specialists, including artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects, aims to explore the relationship between the self and the world and new forms of perception. www.teamlab.art.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District, please visit: dct.gov.ae; scdabudhabi.ae and abudhabiculture.ae.
About Saadiyat Cultural District
The Saadiyat Cultural District is one of the world’s preeminent global destinations, which brings together diverse culture and fosters knowledge and understanding through its museums, educational and cultural institutions. The anchoring museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District encompass natural history, cultural heritage, and contemporary creative expression, and are places that collectively tell the story of the United Arab Emirates, the world, and the connections that have fostered creativity and innovation for millennia.
The Saadiyat Cultural District is a place of cultural dialogue and a centre for the creation of knowledge, attracting local, regional, and international visitors and making a lasting impact on the world.
Media Contact
Miral Destinations
PR Director
Raghad Tayeh
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