Imagine walking through a world where digital flowers bloom beneath your feet, galaxies move across the walls, and every step you take transforms the art around you. Welcome to teamLab, the Tokyo-based collective redefining immersive digital art.
teamLab is best known for blending art, technology, nature, and interactivity to create sensory-rich spaces where you don’t just observe but actually become part of the exhibits.
From the globally famous teamLab Tokyo experiences like teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless to the massive new teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, these attractions have become must-visit destinations for travelers, photographers, and immersive art lovers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the scale, installations, and overall teamLab Abu Dhabi vs. Tokyo experience to help you decide which immersive digital art world deserves a place on your travel list.
Inside teamLab: Origins, Vision & The Philosophy
Inside teamLab: Origins, Vision & The Philosophy
Founded in Tokyo in 2001, teamLab began as a multidisciplinary collective bringing together artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects. Their goal was simple yet revolutionary – to break away from traditional static art and create living, evolving environments shaped by technology and human presence.
Over the years, teamLab has grown into one of the world’s most influential immersive art pioneers, known for building large-scale digital worlds that question how people see museums and creative spaces.
The Idea of “Borderless Art” & Body-Immersive Experiences
At the heart of every teamLab immersive art experience is the concept of “borderless art.” It is where installations flow seamlessly across rooms without clear boundaries between artworks or visitors.
Instead of following a fixed path, you explore freely, discovering new visuals and interactions along the way.
teamLab also introduced the idea of body-immersive experiences, where visitors walk barefoot through water, mirrored rooms, or responsive environments. This turned movement, touch, and presence into part of the artwork itself.
How Technology Brings the Art to Life
teamLab’s installations are powered by advanced digital projections, motion sensors, sound design, and real-time interaction systems.
The walls, floors, and ceilings all become canvases where visuals shift based on human movement, creating unique experiences every time. By blending light, sound, space, and interactivity, teamLab transforms traditional exhibitions into dynamic environments that feel alive.
This is one of the key reasons teamLab Tokyo and teamLab Abu Dhabi have become global leaders in immersive digital art.
Inside the Experiences: teamLab Tokyo vs teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
teamLab Tokyo: Two Distinct Immersive Worlds
teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills is designed as a fluid digital universe where artworks move freely across rooms and interact with each other (and with visitors). Here, there’s no fixed path or map, encouraging you to wander, discover hidden spaces, and encounter installations that constantly evolve.
Famous highlights of teamLab Borderless include massive projection environments, interactive light sculptures, and ever-changing digital landscapes that make every visit unique.
The open structure also makes Borderless a must-visit for photographers, curious explorers, families, and anyone who enjoys discovering art at their own pace.
In contrast, teamLab Planets Tokyo is built around body-immersive experiences, inviting visitors to step barefoot into the artwork itself.
You get to walk through water-filled spaces where digital koi swim around their legs, mirrored infinity rooms that create endless reflections, and signature installations like the Floating Flower Garden, where flowers bloom and shift overhead.
Unlike Borderless, Planets follows a guided, one-way route, allowing the experience to unfold like a story. This is perfect for those who want a structured yet deeply sensory journey through immersive digital art.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi: The Next-Generation Immersive Art Museum
Located on Saadiyat Island and spanning roughly 17,000 square meters, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a permanent immersive digital art museum designed as one of the largest teamLab experiences ever created.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and Miral, the space reflects teamLab’s expansion beyond Japan into a global cultural destination. The project aims to push the boundaries of interactive art through massive environments and next-level technology.
The museum is divided into major experiential areas such as Wet Zones and Dry Zones, each featuring responsive visuals that change with your movement.
You can expect large-scale installations driven by light, wind, water, and digital projections that react in real time.
Many of these works are unique to Abu Dhabi, emphasizing expansive spaces and environmental storytelling that elevate the immersive art experience beyond traditional gallery settings.
The building itself is designed to complement the Saadiyat Cultural District, placing it alongside major landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Its futuristic architecture and large-scale interiors support massive digital environments while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global hub for art, culture, and innovation.
By blending immersive technology with cultural tourism, teamLab Phenomena creates a destination that feels both artistic and experiential on a global scale.
Abu Dhabi vs. Tokyo: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Features | teamLab Planets (Tokyo) | teamLab Borderless (Tokyo) | teamLab Phenomena (Abu Dhabi) |
| Size & Scale | Large immersive venue with a focused, linear experience | Massive multi-room digital art world designed for exploration | Around 17,000 m², one of the largest teamLab experiences ever built |
| Type of Experience | Full-body immersive journey with water, mirrors, and sensory environments | Borderless digital art maze where installations flow across rooms | Huge futuristic environments focused on next-gen responsive digital spaces |
Interaction Style | High physical interaction with barefoot walking, water installations, and tactile environments | Visual and movement-based interaction through projections and motion sensors | Mixed interaction using advanced sensors, light, sound, wind, and large-scale visuals |
| Navigation | Guided, one-way path that unfolds like a story | Free-roaming exploration with no fixed route | Curated walkthrough through themed immersive zones |
Crowd Flow | Structured flow helps manage crowds steadily | Popular rooms may get crowded due to the open layout | Large spaces designed to handle high visitor volumes |
Location | Toyosu, Tokyo | Azabudai Hills, central Tokyo | Saadiyat Cultural District, near Louvre Abu Dhabi |
Best For | First-time visitors who want a structured, sensory experience | Photographers, explorers, repeat visitors who enjoy discovering hidden spaces | Travelers seeking a massive, modern immersive art destination |
Visitor Guide & Practical Tips
teamLab Tokyo (Planets & Borderless)
Best Time to Visit & Ticket Booking
- Book your teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets tickets in advance through trusted attraction platforms like Thrillark to secure preferred time slots and avoid last-minute sellouts.
- Weekdays, early mornings, and late evenings usually offer a more relaxed teamLab Tokyo immersive art experience.
- Use Thrillark to compare availability and plan multiple attractions within one itinerary.
What to Wear
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended for long walking and immersive environments.
- Wear easy-to-remove footwear for teamLab Planets Tokyo, as certain installations require barefoot entry.
- Avoid skirts or loose outfits due to mirrored floors; pants or shorts are generally more practical.
Time Required
- teamLab Planets: Plan around 1.5–2 hours for the full guided experience.
- teamLab Borderless: Allow 2–3+ hours for free exploration and photography.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Exploring Saadiyat Cultural District
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach, Abrahamic Family House, and other cultural landmarks.
- Arrive early to explore waterfront promenades, cafés, and surrounding art spaces on Saadiyat Island.
Ticketing & Planning Your Visit
- Secure your teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi tickets in advance via Thrillark for a smooth and convenient booking process.
- Check available time slots and plan your day around other Saadiyat attractions.
Which teamLab Destination Is Right for You?
Are you someone who enjoys exploring freely, uncovering hidden spaces at your own pace? Then, teamLab Borderless Tokyo is the best choice for you. Its open setup and ever-evolving installations encourage curiosity and discovery. This experience is especially suited for photographers, creative explorers, and repeat visitors who enjoy immersive environments without a fixed path.
On the other hand, if you want to actually step into the art, then teamLab Planets Tokyo will make your trip unforgettable. Here, you can walk barefoot through water-based installations, mirrored rooms, and interactive environments that take you on a deeply sensory journey. It’s perfect for first-time immersive art visitors, couples, and anyone looking for a more structured, tactile experience.
Are you drawn to next-generation technology and large-scale immersive environments? teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi offers one of the most ambitious digital art experiences yet. Designed as a purpose-built immersive museum, it combines expansive installations with cutting-edge digital interaction. This destination is ideal for travelers who want a grand, modern cultural attraction in a single location.
Cultural Impact & Future of teamLab
teamLab has had a major role in changing how people experience art by turning traditional galleries into interactive, living environments. This approach blends digital technology, storytelling, and human interaction, influencing museums and experiential attractions around the world.
Today, immersive exhibitions inspired by teamLab’s model can be found globally, showing how their vision has helped redefine modern art spaces and audience engagement.
With Tokyo being its creative hub and Abu Dhabi marking its largest international project, teamLab keeps growing into new lands with permanent museums and temporary traveling exhibits.
Past and ongoing projects have appeared in locations like Shanghai, Singapore, Jeddah, and various international art festivals. This global growth reflects increasing demand for immersive digital experiences that combine entertainment with culture and technology.
teamLab’s growing popularity is proof that audiences today prefer interactive, multi-sensory experiences over traditional passive viewing. People want spaces that are shareable, dynamic, and constantly evolving. They should align perfectly with social media culture and digital storytelling.
By combining technology, art, and participation, teamLab has helped shape a new era where immersive environments become both cultural attractions and creative playgrounds for modern audiences.
Whether you choose the boundary-breaking worlds of teamLab Tokyo or the massive, futuristic scale of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, you’re stepping into an unforgettable digital art universe where creativity comes alive around you.
Head straight towards Tokyo if you want hands-on immersion and endless exploration, or pick Abu Dhabi for a bold, next-generation cultural experience set in a world-class district.
So which one will you experience first, Tokyo or Abu Dhabi? Book your tickets now through Thrillark, and get ready to explore, interact, and lose yourself in an unforgettable immersive art journey.
FAQs About teamLabs
1. What is teamLab, and why are teamLab exhibitions so popular around the world?
teamLab is a Tokyo-based art collective known for creating immersive digital art experiences that combine technology, nature, sound, and interactivity. Instead of traditional galleries, teamLab builds environments where visitors can physically interact with light projections and responsive installations. Their exhibitions have become globally popular because they offer a unique mix of entertainment, art, and technology that appeals to travelers, families, and social media creators alike.
2. What is the difference between teamLab Tokyo and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi?
teamLab Tokyo includes multiple experiences like teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets, each offering a different style of immersion and exploration. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a purpose-built, large-scale immersive museum designed as one of the biggest teamLab experiences in the world. While Tokyo focuses on variety and experimental concepts, Abu Dhabi emphasizes massive environments and next-generation digital art installations.
3. How long does it take to explore a teamLab exhibition?
The time required depends on the specific location and exhibition style. teamLab Planets Tokyo usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours because it follows a guided, one-way path through immersive rooms. teamLab Borderless and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi can take 2 to 3 hours or more since visitors often explore freely and spend extra time interacting with installations and taking photos.
4. What should visitors wear when visiting a teamLab immersive art experience?
Comfortable clothing and easy-to-remove footwear are recommended, especially for experiences like teamLab Planets where guests walk barefoot through certain installations. Visitors may encounter mirrored floors or water features, so practical outfits such as pants or shorts are often preferred. Since you’ll be walking and standing for long periods, lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes help make the experience more enjoyable.
5. Are teamLab exhibitions suitable for children and families?
Yes, most teamLab exhibitions are designed to be interactive and engaging for visitors of all ages, including families with children. Kids often enjoy the playful digital environments, moving visuals, and sensory experiences that encourage exploration and curiosity. However, parents should supervise younger children in water-based or dark installations to ensure safety and comfort.
6. Do you need to book teamLab tickets in advance?
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended because popular teamLab exhibitions often sell out quickly, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons. Many locations use timed entry systems to manage visitor flow and maintain the immersive experience. Booking ahead through reliable platforms like Thrillark helps you secure your preferred time slot and avoid long queues.
7. Are teamLab exhibitions good for photography and social media content?
Yes, teamLab exhibitions are widely known for their visually stunning installations, making them extremely popular for photography and social media content. Dynamic lighting, mirrored spaces, and interactive visuals create unique photo opportunities that change with movement and time. Visitors should still follow any photography guidelines provided by the venue to respect safety and other guests’ experiences.
8. What makes teamLab different from traditional museums or art galleries?
Unlike traditional museums where art is displayed as static objects, teamLab creates environments where art is constantly changing and reacting to visitors. Motion sensors, projections, and sound design allow installations to evolve in real time, making each visit unique. This interactive approach transforms audiences from passive observers into active participants within the artwork.
9. Is teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi part of a larger cultural district?
Yes, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the UAE’s major cultural hubs. The area includes renowned attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and upcoming museums that aim to create a world-class arts destination. This setting allows visitors to combine immersive digital art with traditional museums, architecture, and waterfront experiences.
10. Which teamLab experience is best for first-time visitors – Tokyo or Abu Dhabi?
First-time visitors who want a structured and highly sensory experience often enjoy teamLab Planets Tokyo due to its guided journey through immersive environments. Travelers looking for a single, large-scale digital art museum with cutting-edge installations may prefer teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Ultimately, both destinations offer unique experiences, and the best choice depends on whether you prefer variety and exploration or massive next-generation immersive spaces.
