The latest addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District in the UAE capital is an immersive, multi-sensory venue called TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Developed in collaboration with Japanese back-up collective TeamLab, the experimental, interactive 17,000-square-foot space will be completed in 2024.

A home for endless curiosity

Painting a picture of what’s to come in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has joined forces with Japanese back-up collective TeamLab to develop a one-of-a-kind, immersive and interactive experience.

Dubbed ‘Earth’s new home of endless curiosity’, it is where technology, science, background and nature come together.

For a sneak peek at what will be known as ‘TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi’, we visited the project’s pop-up studio and took a look at some of the artwork.

Those who visit this venue in Abu Dhabi will immediately notice that things on site are done a little differently. At least because there is no floor plan. It’s up to you to find your own path in the creative field.

TeamLab Events Abu Dhabi

You also don’t need to keep your distance from the work of art. A hands-on approach is highly encouraged.

And perhaps most surprising of all, this work of art smells as good as it looks.

Some of TeamLabs’ key players in Japan were on site to shed light on the sensory experience.

Founded in 2001, the group of international artists, engineers and architects explores the relationship between “self” and “world” through the new perceptions of Arka.

“We were interested in how the environment brought Phenomena to life,” says Toshiyuki Inoko, the group’s founder. “And we were interested in how Phenomena brought the artwork to life. We were interested in how we could broaden people’s awareness of the planet. And being in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading cities of the future, can further expand one’s perception of the future. I’m truly honored to be able to take on such a challenge.” “I hear.”

TeamLab Events Abu Dhabi

A cultural hotspot for Abu Dhabi

The scenic island of Saadiyat is the cultural nexus of Abu Dhabi.

And over the last five years, the UAE capital has strategically developed its creative industries; It has led to flagship projects such as the Saadiyat Cultural District, which DCT Abu Dhabi President Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is encouraging visitors to explore: it already houses the Louvre and will soon host the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Abrahamic Family House .

And of course, there is another cultural attraction that will create excitement: Phenomena

“It’s a place – it’s such a philosophical place that we hope you become a critical intellectual thinker too,” says Al Mubarak. “So the concepts of discovery, imagination, and curiosity, which for us are the building blocks of a thriving human being… That’s what Phenomena is about. It pushes you to take in everything you’ve seen…..and to really celebrate your imagination, your curiosity, and then to explore the world in front of you.”

And in terms of youth, in terms of the Emirati youth of today and tomorrow, what do you want them to take away?

“I mean, our leadership has always said that ‘impossible’ is just a concept,” Al Mubarak says. “Anything is possible if you work for it or dream it. And we are not afraid to dream here. On the contrary, we tell you to dream. We will tell the future generations to dream, too. Dream. Be curious. We want you to explore. There are no obstacles in your way. And I think here, “That’s what we’re trying to create in this Cultural District. These amazing museums are all educational institutions. Help build the building blocks of a thriving, forward-thinking society.”

So what’s your favorite room?

“There is an area we call ‘Endless Forest,'” he says. “This is something very, very special to me. I’m obviously conceptualizing it in my head because right now it’s just beautiful CGI or beautiful drawings. And I imagine myself at the center of these huge, almost everything, tree trunks that take you meters tall and then they come to life, “They come alive with touch, they come alive with movement, and that’s something I believe in, you know, just being in that space will relax you. It inspires a lot of people.”

It won’t be long before the capital’s multifaceted artistic ambitions translate into virtual reality, as visitors will soon see with their own eyes.

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