The evolution of teamLab: from Tokyo digital art leader to global sensation

Initially, teamLab began as a close-knit circle of visionary friends at a time when the concept of 'immersive digital art' was unheard of in the art world. It was contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami who recognised their potential early on. His introduction of teamLab to Pace Gallery in 2011 was a crucial turning point for the collective, setting the stage for their rise. Following a series of successful art auctions, teamLab unveiled its first permanent exhibition in Odaiba in 2018. 

This groundbreaking venture, aptly named teamLab Borderless, offered visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a space where art transcended traditional boundaries. This revolutionary approach, which encouraged visitors to touch and interact with their surroundings rather than viewing from a distance behind a white line on the floor, fostered a dynamic interaction that diminished the distinction between viewer and artwork.

Despite its closure in 2021 due to the expiring lease, the museum left an indelible mark by setting a Guinness World Record for the highest attendance at an art museum globally.

On February 9, teamLab Borderless reopened in the architectural wonder of Azabudai Hills, marking a significant move closer to the heart of Tokyo. This relocation signifies a new chapter in teamLab's journey as it offers an opportunity for evolution and innovation. 

The new venue serves as a platform for more sophisticated installations, featuring enhanced versions of the captivating ‘Universe of Water Particles on a Rock Hill where People Gather’ and the ‘Infinite Crystal Universe’, both updated with the latest technological advancements. These refinements elevate the immersive experience, inviting visitors to engage deeply with the intertwined realms of art and technology.

The concept of 'Borderless' extends beyond the physical confines of teamLab's museums; it embodies the collective's vision of a world interconnected through art and technology. The expansion of teamLab Borderless museums across the globe is a testament to this vision, with plans to inaugurate new venues in cities such as Hamburg and Abu Dhabi. This global proliferation not only widens the access to digital art and its appeal, but also fosters a universal dialogue on the fusion of art, technology and nature. 

Gone are the days when art was something you quietly observed from a distance. With teamLab's interactive installations, art becomes a lively, shared experience. It’s about stepping into a world where art is fun, engaging and accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background. This fresh approach invites people to not just view art but to become part of it, making art less of a spectator sport and more of a playground for imagination and exploration.

The journey of teamLab from its inception to present day, and its ambitious plans for the future, encapsulate a relentless pursuit of innovation and inclusivity in art. As teamLab Borderless museums continue to proliferate worldwide, they carry with them the promise of a borderless world where art and technology coalesce to create universally accessible, transformative experiences.

As for the future of teamLab’s digital art museums, the art collective is soon set to expand with two monumental projects: the opening of teamLab Phenomena in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District and teamLab Borderless Jeddah in the historic heart of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These ventures represent teamLab's ambitious expansion into the Middle East, each tailored to weave the collective's signature digital artistry into the fabric of its host city.

In Abu Dhabi, the 17,000-square-metre teamLab Phenomena opening this year stands as the collective's most ambitious venture to date. Freed from earlier constraints, this venture, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism and the Miral Group, marks a significant leap forward. It represents a radical rethinking of how art, technology and the environment can interact, supported by global investment.

At the core of teamLab Phenomena is the innovative 'Environmental Phenomena' concept, which integrates the environment as an active participant in art creation, offering visitors a unique experience. The design ensures a seamless blend of art with its surroundings, encouraging a deeper interaction with the installations.

Simultaneously, teamLab and the Saudi Ministry of Culture are laying the groundwork for the 2025 opening of teamLab Borderless Jeddah, overlooking the Unesco World Heritage Site of Jeddah Historic District. As part of the Jeddah Historic District's revitalisation programme, teamLab Borderless Jeddah aims to preserve the city's historical essence while introducing a dynamic cultural hub showcasing over 50 experiential artworks.

While teamLab Borderless in Tokyo remains a pivotal influence, the upcoming teamLab Borderless museums are poised to push the collective's creative boundaries even further, continuing to challenge and redefine the art world.