Photo – courtesy of teamLab ©
On April 17, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opened its doors in Saadiyat Cultural District, bringing a new wave of multi-sensory, interactive art to the UAE. This groundbreaking exhibition fuses technology, art, and nature in a way never seen before, creating a dynamic experience where visitors are part of the artwork.
The grand opening was marked by an unforgettable performance from renowned Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi, accompanied by 6,000 synchronised drones and pyrotechnics, all set against the venue’s striking architecture. The dramatic show celebrated not only the opening of teamLab Phenomena, but also Saadiyat Cultural District’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, remarked, “teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a landmark that redefines immersive art. It’s a symbol of creativity, technology, and human connection, offering visitors a transformative experience that contributes to the cultural legacy of Abu Dhabi.”
The exhibition spans 17,000 square metres, with immersive artworks designed to evolve. Unlike traditional static galleries, each installation at teamLab Phenomena responds to the movements and interactions of its visitors. The result is an ever-changing, living experience where the boundaries between art and audience blur.
Toshiyuki Inoko, Founder of teamLab, explains, “Our artworks are inseparable from their environment. They evolve with it, making each experience unique. The environment creates the art, and the art, in turn, transforms the environment.”
The space is divided into Wet and Dry areas, each offering its own set of captivating experiences. The Dry area features artworks that react to guests’ movements, while the Wet area invites visitors to engage in hands-on, fluid experiences. Together, these spaces challenge traditional notions of art, offering a constant, evolving interaction between the installation and the audience.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi joins Saadiyat Cultural District’s growing collection of world-class cultural institutions, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. The addition of teamLab Phenomena further solidifies Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global cultural hub, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and artistic collaboration.
With this new venture, Abu Dhabi continues to redefine the future of immersive art, offering visitors a chance to experience something truly extraordinary.
