teamLab Phenomena opens in Saadiyat Cultural District

Trade Arabia

20-04-2025

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a multi-sensory art experience and cultural landmark in the Saadiyat Cultural District, was inaugurated on April 17.
The grand opening celebration featured a performance by Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi and a display of 6,000 synchronized drones and pyrotechnics, inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), commented: '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.'
The launch event articulated the connection between art, technology and imagination. The Music of Ludovico Einaudi intersected with the artistic light installations that emerged from teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and rose to the sky. Through a coordinated fleet of 6,000 drones and dramatic pyrotechnics that illuminated the skies over Saadiyat Cultural District and marked the official opening moment.
Following the opening ceremony, guests were immersed in the exceptional teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, 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 guests' imagination. Each artwork within the unique, purpose-built venue will evolve over time through the interplay of light, sound and movement. Unlike traditional artworks, the artworks at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi are fluid, they exist in a dynamic relationship with their environment, responding 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 artwork area, visitors will encounter a variety of artworks that encourage interaction, where artworks respond to their movements and actions, creating a unique connection between guests and the artwork. As they move into the Wet artwork 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. This remarkable 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.