This post was originally published on Tokyo Cheapo.
The digital art collective teamLab—an interdisciplinary group consisting of artists, scientists, and more—has had multiple exhibitions around and beyond Japan over the past few years. Though, despite its Japanese roots, it was only in 2018 that it finally launched permanent (or, at least, long-term) installations in Japan. Better late than never, we suppose. Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless—billed as the world’s first digital art museum—was unveiled in Odaiba on June 21st, 2018 to much fanfare.
It should go without saying that the Mori Building Digital Art Museum is unlike any museum that you’ve ever seen. This 10,000 sq m space uses 520 computers and 470 projectors to create an experience that will stimulate all five senses. There’s no set course for enjoying this digital art museum. Just let your curiosity and imagination wander, and pick any path to start.
The experience at Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless
You won’t step into the same museum twice as the art is dynamic and constantly in motion. In just a few minutes, you can experience a change of scenery—a burst of purple flowers here, a shower of sunflowers there—even while standing in the same spot. Step back into that same flower forest a little later, and you’ll find that the seasons have changed.
The museum isn’t called “Borderless” for nothing—the art moves freely. Walking down hallways, you might find yourself with interesting company, as a lively procession of performers joins you only to fade as you reach your destination.
Mori Building Digital Art Museum’s stunning installations make the perfect backdrop for #aesthetic shots. The <strong>two most popular installations are the Crystal World and the Forest of Resonating Lamps</strong>. The former is a room full of mirrors and dazzling, colorful LEDs (fun fact: you can change the colors with the teamLab app). At the latter, you can feel like Rapunzel in Tangled, as you marvel at the lanterns and their ever-changing colors.
While taking photos and videos is part of the experience, and is actually something that teamLab encourages, don’t just visit for the Instagram potential. You’re highly encouraged to experience the art in ways other than clicking away on your smartphone. After all, it’s been said that all art is an immersive experience, and you can truly feel that for yourself here. For one, you’ll find that some art projections react to touch.
For the kids
But wait—there’s more! The Athletics Forest is practically a digital art playground. Kids, as well as kids at heart, can create planets—or a black hole—with every bounce on the Multi-Jumping Universe trampoline, slide down a “fruit field”, or try bouldering in a “forest of light”. Note that you must have appropriate footwear here (i.e. no high heels, slippers, open-toe sandals).
Kids who prefer something more subdued can check out the Sketch Aquarium. The museum provides paper and crayons for kids to doodle and color. They can then have their drawings scanned to become part of a digital aquarium.
Chill out with some tea
Finally, after all that walking and playing, you might want to bask in the tranquility of En Tea House. We weren’t kidding when we said that this digital art museum is an experience for all the senses. In this dim, quiet space, you can unwind with a cup of tea—they recommend the yuzu green tea—for [price amount=500]. Watch digital flowers bloom in your cup, their petals scattering every so often.
In sum, Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless is a unique, memorable experience for all ages, as well as an easy gateway into art appreciation for millennials and Gen Z-ers.
Visitor info
- URL: https://borderless.teamlab.art
- Price: 3,200 yen for adults | 1,000 yen for youth aged 4-14
- Address: 1-3-8 Odaiba Palette Town, Aomi, Koto 135-0064, Tokyo, Japan
- Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun, holidays 10:00 am-7:00 pm | Fri-Sat, day before holidays 0:00 am-9:00 pm
