teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi has officially opened its doors within the Saadiyat Cultural District, introducing a 17,000-square-metre immersive art space that redefines the intersection of art, science, and technology. Developed by the Japanese art collective teamLab in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the venue offers a transformative experience where art evolves in response to environmental factors and visitor interaction.
The grand opening on April 17 featured a performance by Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi, accompanied by a synchronised display of 6,000 drones and pyrotechnics. Distinguished guests, including actors Cate Blanchett, Andrew Garfield, Natalia Dyer, and spiritual leader Sadhguru, attended the event, underscoring Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a global cultural hub.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi distinguishes itself by housing artworks that are not static but continuously shaped by natural elements such as light, air, and water, as well as by the presence of visitors. Founder Toshiyuki Inoko emphasised that these installations are not independent objects but phenomena created by their environment, drawing parallels to natural occurrences like ocean vortices that exist only within specific conditions.
The venue's architecture, designed by teamLab Architects in collaboration with MZ Architects, features organic forms that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape. Inside, visitors encounter installations like "Biocosmos," a 360-degree sphere navigated via a suspended mesh net, enveloped by projections of flora, coral, and avian life. Other exhibits, such as "Levitation Void" and "Morphing Continuum," further explore the fluid boundaries between art and environment.
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