Latest news with #teamLab
Business Insider
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
I thought this Tokyo attraction would be a major tourist trap. It ended up being a highlight of my first trip to Japan.
TeamLab Planets is one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo. TeamLab Planets quickly made a name for itself after opening its doors in 2018. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most-visited museum dedicated to a single group or artist, bringing in more than 2.5 million visitors from April 2023 to March 2024. A popular second location in Tokyo, known as teamLab Borderless, focuses on digital art. Both museums were launched by teamLab, an international art collective that includes artists, animators, engineers, mathematicians, and architects among its specialists. Together, they work to "explore the relationship between the self and the world," according to the museum's website, although global brand director Takashi Kudo said they have an even bigger goal. "If these exhibitions cannot reach an emotional height, then we have failed," he told The New York Times last year. "We have to reach people's hearts." Even during the peak season in March, I was able to easily book tickets. TeamLab Planets offers time slots from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Just about every travel blog recommends visiting the museum when it opens to beat crowds (and have fewer people in your Instagram shots), which means every morning slot was sold out when I tried to book tickets about a week in advance. I figured the nighttime slots might be less crowded, so I booked two tickets for 7:30 p.m. The total was 8,800 yen, or about $61. Before visiting, we found some helpful tips online for what to wear. Both the travel blogs and our friends' Google Docs noted that part of the museum's experience involves walking through water. We made sure to wear shoes that could quickly slip off and pants that could easily roll up. Since the floors are mirrored, a number of blogs recommended skipping skirts or short dresses. Shorts are also available to rent for free if you need them. We arrived 30 minutes before our time slot began, and found a line already curving around the building. We quickly made it past the gates of the 10,000-square-foot warehouse, where we were welcomed with a towering sculpture called "Universe of Fire Particles Haunting the Sky and Earth." The lit-up piece, glowing with red and yellow flames, changes as people stand near it. More art can be found at Vegan Ramen UZU, the museum's ramen shop. I wish I hadn't grabbed dinner beforehand because a friend later told me this was one of her favorite ramen experiences in all of Tokyo! After watching a quick introductory video, our experience at teamLab Planets began. The museum is divided into three sections: Water, Athletics Forest, and Garden. The forest section, which opened in January, had added 20 new exhibits to the original nine. We left our bags and shoes in the free lockers, which came with keys we could wear as bracelets. Then, we walked up a ramp as we headed into the water exhibit, our feet softly splashing beneath us. The first major exhibit was the famous "Infinite Crystal Universe." After walking through nearly pitch-black spaces, the world opens to a dazzling room filled with hundreds of shimmering LED lights. They seemed to go on forever, a trick of the eye achieved by the mirrored floor. Maybe it's because I'm partial to sparkle eyeshadow and the exhibit reminded me of the bottom of my makeup bag, but how could you not love pretty lights? I was entranced. As with all the exhibits at teamLab Planets, the lights are affected by the presence of those around them. Attendees who download the teamLab Planets app can even choose which colors light up. It allows the piece to evolve constantly, ensuring it's never the same. Next up was one of my favorite exhibits, the glowing koi pond. We walked into the dark room as a rainbow of digital koi fish swam in the warm water around us. Each time a koi fish collided with our leg, it transformed into a lovely flower. According to the museum's website, these flowers change depending on what season you visit the exhibit. Then, we walked into a room filled with ginormous balloons. My boyfriend and I giggled like kids as we wandered through the massive spheres, which changed color whenever we touched them. The room glowed bright pink, blue, and green as we bounced and pushed the spheres around us. A room called "Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers" provided a moment of serenity. We joined a group of people lying on the ground to silently watch the digital flowers surrounding us. The exhibit displays different flowers in their full circle of life as they grow, bloom, and die. The peaceful moment was a nice interlude before we walked into the much more active "Athletics Forest" section. We put our shoes back on and headed to the "Athletics Forest." The "Athletics Forest" is a neon playground. The colorful and interactive digital exhibit invited us to climb up a waterfall, swing through a flock of birds, and slide into a fruit field. It was around this time that my phone battery died, and it couldn't have come at a more perfect moment, as I fully immersed myself. As I bounced on the rotating spheres and balanced on stepping stones, I felt transported back to the games my friends and I used to make up on the playground, when the only available entertainment was our imagination and some monkey bars. "Graffiti Nature" was another favorite exhibit. My boyfriend and I were happy to stumble on a table full of people coloring pictures of flowers, butterflies, snakes, and lizards. A full day of sightseeing was quickly catching up to us, and we needed a sedentary activity. After we finished coloring, a teamLab staff member took our drawings and put them through a special printer. Suddenly, our illustrations were projected across the entire room. My boyfriend's snake slithered by our feet as my flower multiplied on the walls. It was a total surprise and a moment of pure delight. Last but not least was the famous floating flower garden. TeamLab Planets' flower garden consists of more than 13,000 live orchids, which float above you as you walk into the room. As with "Infinite Crystal Universe," the flowers seem to surround you, thanks to the mirrored floors. The orchids can sense movement and shift up or down as you walk through them, even sliding right up to your face. When you look at a flower closely, it's meant to stare right back. It's a gorgeous and awe-inspiring sight, made possible because the orchids grow by absorbing water from the air. And yes, it smells incredible. After admiring a garden of glowing eggs, our night at teamLab Planets came to an end. When I first heard about teamLab Planets, I figured it would be similar to the Ice Cream Museum or the viral "Van Gogh experience" — quick photo ops purely designed for Instagram. But my boyfriend and I had such a blast that we wished we had come earlier to spend more time at each exhibit. The museum is so fun and playful that it seems purposely designed to heal your inner child. I had more fun after my phone died and could completely immerse myself in the experience. If teamLab Planets is a tourist trap, I'd happily get captured again.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are the very best things to do indoors for summer in Abu Dhabi
Let's face it – when the pavements are almost melting, any plans involving the great outdoors are officially cancelled. But don't panic. Just because the weather's taking a scorcher turn doesn't mean your social calendar has to dry up – there are numerous things to do indoors in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is serving up an air-conditioned playground of epic proportions, packed with pulse-raising adventures, world-class dining, cultural heavy-hitters and cool-as-a-cucumber dessert drops. Whether you want to fly (indoors, obviously), feast, flex your artistic muscles, or just find a fun way to tire out the kids, this city's got a long list of ways to beat the heat without breaking a sweat. From five-star food to art-filled escapes, trampoline thrills to teamLab chills, here's your ultimate guide to staying cool and having a blast indoors this summer. The best indoor activities in Abu Dhabi to keep you cool over summer Dine at one of the city's best restaurants Okay, first up, the easy one. If we're talking indoor things to do, then we'd be remiss not not mention the capital's outstanding food scene. But let's face it Abu Dhabi's restaurant culture is constantly evolving, and for the average eater-outer, it can be difficult to keep up. A new restaurant here, a fabulous menu there… where to start? That's where we come in. Enter the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 and our definitive guide to dining in the capital. Pick any, pick them all, just make sure you pick 'indoor' on the booking because it's about to get hot outside. Head to Clymb Abu Dhabi Who says you can't spike your adrenaline indoors? And there aren't many things better for that than conquering your fear of heights at the world's largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the region's tallest climbing wall at CLYMB. Beginners can take a swing at three different walls during a 60-minute intro session, learning everything from bouldering basics to auto-belaying, with expert instructors at hand. At just Dhs120 per session, you can climb solo or if you're really getting into the groove, there are courses to help you perfect your skills. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can combine indoor climbing with skydiving in the CLYMB Combo ticket (Dhs315) for a double dose of adrenaline. Combo tickets from Dhs315. Sun-Thur (11am to 9pm), Fri-Sat (noon to 11pm). Clymb, Yas Mall, Yas Island, (0600 511115). Get mesmerised at TeamLab One of the coolest things to land in Abu Dhabi to date, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a super definite must for an indoor activity bucket list. Set within Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, the new museum spans over 17,000sqm and takes visitors on a multi-sensory journey. The innovative museum sits at the intersection of art, science, and technology. The environment in which the artworks are in creates various phenomena that become the artwork, offering a dynamic, ever-evolving guest experience, and ensuring that no two visits will be the same. Dhs150 for adults (18 and above), Dhs115 for teenagers (13-17) and Dhs50 for children (4-12). Saadiyat Cultural District, Cool down with some summer desserts Too hot to handle? Hawksbill Restaurant at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has the sweetest solution. Whether you've just finished a round of golf or you're simply chasing dessert goals, their limited-time summer menu delivers chilled indulgence with a twist. Take your tastebuds on a ride with the matcha tiramisu – a refreshing spin on the creamy classic. Or opt for the showstopper: birds' nest kunafa, a crunchy kunafa nest filled with chocolate and pistachio ice cream shaped like bird eggs. It's part dessert, part work of art. If you're after something lighter (and Instagram-worthy), the poached pear with coconut yoghurt, granola and pomegranate is the way to go. The seasonal lineup is all about keeping it cool – and delicious. À la carte. Daily 7am-11pm. Hawksbill Restaurant, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island. (056 660 8780). Shake it off (and smash it up) There are some days when you just want to break stuff. Enter the Smash Room. Take any lingering anger out on inanimate objects and break everything in your sight. We can't think of many things more cathartic than that tbh. And now, it is launching a special summer package where you and up to three mates can smash 50 glass items, a washing machine, a printer, a TV and four CPUs to pieces for Dhs1,164.94. It's a great way to relieve all those pent-up emotions and release stress. From Dhs69 per person. Open Mon-Thu 12.30pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 12.30pm-11pm. Nahil Building in Al Rawdah Street W58, Abu Dhabi. hello@ thesmashroom. Discover amazing exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat Found in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat is one of the best art galleries in Abu Dhabi. While some of the exhibitions here have an entry fee, many throughout the year are totally free to visit, and you can also attend a free weekly sound healing session on Mondays. Open daily 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, (02 657 5800). Take part in a free fitness session at The Galleria Al Maryah Island Window shopping is one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi, but if you're looking for something a little more active, you should be signing up for one of the free fitness sessions at The Galleria. There are yoga and Zumba classes, as well as a free guided walk, and you can find all the details here. Free. Tue, Thu, Sun 8.30am-9.30am (adult yoga), Wed, Sat (mummy-and-child yoga), Mon, Wed, Fri 8.30am onwards (walk), Tue, Thu 9am-10am (Zumba). The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Check out the Cultural Foundation Located next to the historical Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the Cultural Foundation has been fostering creative talent in Abu Dhabi since its launch in 1981. Throughout the year, there are two to three free exhibitions for you to check out, and the children's library inside also has free daily programming for little ones. Free. Open Sat-Thu 9am-8pm; Fri 2pm-8pm. Qasr Al Hosn, Take the kids (or just yourself) to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi This indoor (which is why the middle of summer is a great time to go) mega-park brings superheroes, villains, cartoons and favourite characters from your childhood to life on Yas Island. Split into six distinct and vibrant zones – Bedrock, Warner Bros. Plaza, Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch – there is plenty to keep even the smallest of adrenalin junkies entertained for hours, while the real thrill seekers risk the faster, white-knuckle rides. Dhs345 (adults), Dhs265 (kids up to 1.1m), free (kids under three). Open daily 10am-9pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, (600 511 115). Muse over some art An architectural marvel and cultural and artistic beacon, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is still as impressive today as it was when it opened its doors in 2017. And it's pretty hard to feel bored indoors when you're experiencing that. With exhibition spaces that cover 8,600 square metres and 23 permanent galleries occupying 6,400 square metres, we are not exaggerating when we say there's a lot to see at Louvre Abu Dhabi. And starting September 17, you can view some Mamluk beauty. The new season kicks off in glorious style with a deep dive into the mighty Mamluk Sultanate – a dynasty that ruled swathes of the Islamic world for over 250 years. Think Egypt, the Levant, parts of Turkey and Saudi Arabia's holy sites – all under one powerful banner. Expect intricate craftsmanship, epic diplomacy and a visual journey through a golden age of Islamic art. Centrepieces include the Reception of a Venetian Delegation by the Mamluk Governor of Damascus and the jaw-dropping Baptistery of Saint Louis. This exhibition brings together masterpieces from the Musée du Louvre and Louvre Abu Dhabi's own collection. Dhs63. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. (02 333 2222). Take a step back in time at Heritage Village Okay, so this heritage site isn't all indoors but enough of it is to ensure you don't fry in the heat – besides, it's one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi. Here, you can get a snapshot of traditional Emirati life and heritage, as the village showcases a range of local crafts, explores the history of pearl diving and more. Free. Open Sat-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 7.30am-noon, 3.30pm-9pm. Al Kasir (02 681 4455). Ferrari World Abu Dhabi This massive Abu Dhabi attraction is a fantastic white-knuckle ride all around. The theme park boasts more than 20 rides and activities, but the one you will want to strap yourself into is the record-smashing Formula Rossa. It's not for the fainthearted, however. The family zone is perfect for little thrill-seekers, with various tamed-down versions of the park's fast rides. There are heaps of less terrifying rides suitable for mini thrill-seekers such as the car carousel, driving school and an awesome supercar museum – we can but dream as we gaze at the gorgeous motors. From Dhs265 (kids), Dhs345 (adults). Open daily 11am-8pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, (02 496 8000). Xtreme Zone at The Galleria If your kids are bouncing off the walls (and let's face it, you might be too), Xtreme Zone at The Galleria is where all that energy gets channelled into pure fun. This 44,200 sq ft mega playland is the third and biggest of its kind – and it's packed to the rafters with action for all ages. Expect a 12-lane bowling alley, trampoline park, arcade zone, billiards tables, climbing walls, and the region's first-ever Tag Arena. Whether your crew is into friendly competition or just wants to bounce, bowl and battle it out, there's plenty to keep everyone buzzing. Even the grown-ups can get in on the action – or simply kick back with a coffee at the on-site café while the chaos unfolds. Prices vary. Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, (02 628 9050). Take a trip to the 421 Arts Campus A dynamic cultural hub that fosters creativity and collaboration, you will find a diverse range of art programs and events here. This contemporary art space hosts exhibitions, workshops, performances and artist residencies, providing a platform for both local and international artists. Designed to support the arts community, 421 offers various facilities, including galleries, studios and spaces for educational activities. The aim here is to really engage the public with art in all its forms, encouraging dialogue, innovation and artistic expression, with a focus on nurturing creativity. While you can pop in for a coffee, make sure you check out their website for upcoming events. Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. Mina Zayed, (02 676 8803). Get energised at one of the best pubs in town When the tummies start rumbling, you'll have to sit down somewhere – and the best spot to do that with an infectious bubbly atmosphere? McCafferty's. No matter how pumping the venue, service is quick – almost too quick – and we could easily spend an afternoon, or even a full day here. The food is your typical pub grub: Think burgers, fish and chips, roast dinners and pizzas, with a decent amount of vegetarian and vegan options. With a generous happy hour, great pub grub, and lively atmosphere, McCafferty's is an all-Irish, all-round winner. Open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, (058 598 3623). Go for a BOUNCE There are lots of fun stuff to try at the fun indoor park, including a huge trampoline that's four times the size of a standard trampoline and can generate a force of over 14Gs, which is what fighter pilots feel. X Park is a brilliant way to find your inner Spider-Man and jump around its many obstacles and pipes to work up a sweat, from its spider wall to its climbing wall. Kids can unleash all their pent-up energy in this parkour zone. From Dhs90 (per session). Times vary. Marina Mall, Al Marina, Abu Dhabi, Level up at Pixoul Gaming If immersive gaming is your thing, Pixoul Gaming should be on your to-visit list. This new state-of-the-art virtual reality and Esports hub in Al Qana features an elaborate Virtual Reality Gaming Zone, an Esports Academy with a focused training facility for gaming athletes and global gaming tournaments, a retro gaming zone, and an Esports bar, making it one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. From Dhs95. Open Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight; Fr. Al Qana, (02 418 6699). Head to the flicks Air-conditioning, popcorn, comfy seats – what's not to love about going to the movies? It's also the ideal way to introduce little people to the big screen – VOX Cinema's KIDS concept features brightly coloured, smaller-than-average screening rooms that show all the latest age-appropriate blockbusters in a family-friendly environment. Cinemacity Al Qana also has its very own Kids Cinema (there are VIP and 3DMax screening rooms, too), making these two great options for a movie date with the little ones. Prices and times vary. Cinemacity Al Qana, VOX Cinemas, Tickle your grey matter at Prison Island A super-fun outing for the whole gang, Prison Island will keep young and old engaged with puzzles, quizzes, and other brain teasers that need to be solved in order to unlock the prison cell's doors. There are 26 cells altogether but you can decide how many you want to tackle. Teams can be made up of two to six players and kids as young as eight can participate (although they need to be accompanied by an adult). From Dhs99. Sun-Thu 10am-10pm. Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zahiyah, Escape from a haunted room Looking for a real fright? Abu Dhabi's Dark Room is the OG horror escape room in town and it's not for the faint of heart. Picture this: you're trapped in a room filled with spine-tingling puzzles, riddles and clues. The only way out? Solve everything before time runs out – but there's a twist. A live actor is lurking inside, adding an extra layer of terror to the experience. Whether you're braving it with friends or family, Dark Room's themed rooms will have you thinking, escaping, and most likely, running for your life. Who said indoors had to be boring? From Dhs130 per person. Dark Room, Khalifa Bin Zayed The First St, Al Markaziyah West, W2. (055 186 1589). Zoom down Velocity at WTC Mall The longest and tallest stainless-steel slide in the Middle East, Velocity at WTC Mall in Abu Dhabi is a thrill if ever there was one. The attraction has a 68-metre and 54-metre spiral ride that stretches from the top level of the mall to the bottom, with twists and turns that tempt you to take the plunge. It's one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi while you get in some quick retail therapy. Dhs25 (single slide), Dhs35 (single slide with video experience), Dhs40 (double slide), Dhs50 (one-day unlimited slides, Mon-Thu). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Level 1, WTC Mall, Take the kiddos to Leo & Loona while you chill Parents, brace yourselves – Leo and Loona Kids Park has crash-landed into both Yas Mall and Dalma Mall and it's an absolute haven for kids (and a sneaky win for parents who want to sip coffee in peace). Leo and Loona is all about interactive play and storytelling. With over 30 attractions spread across themed zones, kids can whizz down glow-in-the-dark slides, pedal their way to victory on go-karts, get messy in creative workshops zipline and even play supermarket manager (good luck explaining why you don't need ten imaginary watermelons). The in-house restaurant at Yas Mall is the brainchild of award-winning chef Kasper Kurdahl and hospitality whiz Zsolt Pleszinger, who have created a menu that fuses Italian and American favourites with a Middle Eastern twist. So yes, while the kids go wild, you can tuck into something that doesn't come from a plastic tray. From DhsDhs179. Open daily. Leo & Loona, Yas Mall and Dalma Mall. Have a blast at Air Maniax Just the place for burning off the excess of energy that only kids seem to possess, this should be on your list if you're trying to entertain kids in Abu Dhabi this summer. This inflatable indoor adventure park boasts super-fun zip lines, a warrior assault course, a ninja warrior zone, a multi-sports arena, and a dedicated toddler area. If a few hours here don't tire your kids out, we're genuinely stumped as to what will. Best of all? Abu Dhabi has two Air Maniax parks to try out: one in Marina Mall, and one in Yas Mall. From Dhs80. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. First floor, Marina Mall; Ground floor, Yas Mall, Play games at Central If burgers, beats, bowling and a big dose of nostalgia make for a good night out in your book, the Central is a 'food-meets-fun' venue lighting up Yas Bay. It's an unabashed spot that goes from children's birthdays to late evenings that are for those 21 and over, and it can somehow shift from kids playing retro arcade games and running about to a popping patio with the older crowd going back and forth between Central and LSB next door. Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am; Sun noon-midnight. Yas Bay Waterfront, Drop by KidZania This interactive, activity-packed indoor park allows kids to explore, play, and learn all at the same time. A scaled-down version of a real city, KidZania is where little ones can role-play 60 real-life activities, including trying out jobs and shopping for their own groceries. It's one of the best things to do with kids aged four to 16 in Abu Dhabi. From Dhs105. Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island, Get chilly at Snow Abu Dhabi Never mind the heat – if you fancy a little fun in the snow this summer, we've got you covered. The highly revered Snow Abu Dhabi, one of the biggest snow parks in the world, opened its doors at Reem Mall in 2023 and has been a huge hit ever since. With over 20 rides and attractions across 9,732 square feet of ice-cold fun and themed characters, the theme park offers a fun family (or friend) day out when you're not in the mood to soak up the rays at one of Abu Dhabi's pool days or beach clubs. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Level 2, Reem Mall, Al Reem Island, Enjoy e-karting at Adrenark Adventure The region's largest indoor adventure park, Adrenark Adventure in Al Qana, is home to nearly 20 attractions and activities, including the UAE's first-ever three-storey e-karting track. There's a lot to do here for everyone from toddlers to teenagers, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. Dhs99 (toddler pass), Dhs141 (discovery pass), Dhs188 (adventure pass), Dhs314 (Get Tired Playing pass). Sun-Thu10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Qana, (02 418 6699). Summer in Abu Dhabi Psst: This is when summer officially starts in Abu Dhabi No complaints here Yas Waterworld's epic new expansion is opening this summer – including 12 new slides Weeeeee! 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Time Out
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
From Tokyo to Coffs: teamLab is bringing this mesmerising exhibition to regional Australia for the first time
There are countless reasons Aussies travel to Japan – some chase bowls of steaming ramen, others take on the mighty Mount Fuji and plenty are there to just soak in a real-deal onsen. For me, one of the biggest drawcards was to step inside an installation by teamLab – the world-renowned collective behind immersive, multidimensional art experiences in Japan and beyond. Tokyo's teamLab Borderless installation was the highlight of my trip, and I'd fly all the way back just to see another one. But now I don't have to. For the first time, the world-renowned art collective is bringing one of its spellbinding digital artworks to regional Australia – and it's completely free to explore. teamLab's exhibitions have drawn huge crowds everywhere from Tokyo and New York to London and Singapore — with tickets often selling out months in advance. Now, for the first time, the world-famous art collective is bringing one of its mesmerising digital experiences, Flowers and People – A Whole Year per Hour, to regional Australia. Landing at Coffs Harbour 's Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) from June 14 to August 24, it marks a major moment for the coastal NSW city – and teamLab's first-ever showing outside a metro area. For those who haven't been to a teamLab exhibition, they're not something you simply admire – they're artworks you become part of. This particular interactive video installation condenses the year-long life cycle of flowers into just one hour. As you stand still, the flowers will bloom and grow in front of you. But move, and the petals will scatter and disappear. This real-time interaction means the artwork is continuously changing, and no two cycles are ever the same. 'We anticipate Flowers and People – A Whole Year per Hour will bring new audiences to YAM. Visitors can chill out on beanbags or move in the space to engage with the video and experience this immersive and highly photogenic installation,' YAM City Cultural Services Team Leader Carrie Kibbler said. To make things even better, Flowers and People – A Whole Year per Hour is completely free to enjoy. You can just walk in and explore at your own pace, then check out YAM's two other blockbuster winter exhibitions. That includes Interconnected Entities, a collection of surreal sculptures by artists Patricia Piccinini and Caroline Rothwell, and Shadows Make the Light Shine Brighter, a mind-bending ceramic and video installation by artist Juz Kitson. Flowers and People – A Whole Year per Hour is on at Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour from June 14 to August 24, 2025, and you can find out more here.
Time Out
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Kyoto's first night market to debut this month with food, shopping and ninja shows
Kyoto is one of Japan's most visited cities, and that popularity has increasingly led to overcrowding. In response, city officials have been exploring various solutions, including the recent introduction of dedicated sightseeing buses for tourists. This month, a new initiative aims to increase Kyoto's nighttime attractions and, in turn, help redistribute tourist activity beyond the usual hotspots and daytime rush. The inaugural Kyoto Night Market is set to take place on Sunday June 8 at the Ohigashi-san Plaza in front of Higashi Honganji. This stately Buddhist temple is one of Kyoto's most easily accessible heritage sites, as it's located in the city centre, less than 10 minutes' walk from Kyoto Station. From 3pm to 10pm, the square will be decorated with lanterns and host around 70 booths offering traditional Japanese arts and crafts, local produce, street food and craft beer. But there's more to this event than just eating and shopping – you can easily make a night of it. Modern-day ninjas from Shiga prefecture's Koka Ninja Village theme park will be putting on performances, while students from Kyoto's Doshisha University will be offering rickshaw rides. The night market will also feature classic festival booths with retro games such as goldfish scooping and yo-yo fishing, all run by elementary school kids. This effort aims to instil entrepreneurial spirit in local children through play and at the same time help develop their social skills. Kyoto Night Market is set to become a regular monthly event, with upcoming dates on July 17 (to coincide with the Gion Festival parade), August 11 and September 12. For more information, check the event website. How to purchase tickets for the 2025 Osaka Expo teamLab is opening a permanent immersive art museum in Kyoto You can now enjoy gluten-free and plant-based ramen at Expo 2025
The Star
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
TeamLab is lighting up the world, one city at a time
There's a reason millions of visitors are obsessed with teamLab's art exhibitions: where else can you spend an otherwise normal afternoon gazing into an infinity of crystal stars, chasing digital crows from room to room, or making flowers grow with the touch of a single, god-like finger? TeamLab, an international collective of mathematicians, engineers and artists, emerged in 2001, gaining traction with an early staging by artist Takashi Murakami. Since then, the group, whose works aim to 'navigate the confluence of art, science, technology and the natural world', has expanded globally, with permanent and temporary exhibitions in Asia, Europe and the United States. Last year, teamLab Planets in Tokyo, welcomed 2.5 million people, setting a Guinness record as the most visited museum by a single art group. TeamLab currently has 12 exhibitions in Japan, as well as sites in places like Singapore, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Macao, Miami (US), New York (US), and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Installations or museums are planned for Hamburg (Germany), Utrecht (the Netherlands), Kyoto (Japan), and more. In 'Sketch' installations at several sites you use crayons to colour in a creature, which then comes alive as a projection on the walls and the floor. — teamlab These sensory playgrounds couldn't be farther from a sterile white art gallery. You may find yourself wading through a pool (yes, actual water) with digital koi fish or playing with streaming whirlpools of pixels. Sometimes the installations are set outdoors in dark rice paddies, as in Izura, Japan, or use strings of live orchids that rise and drop depending on your path, as at the Planets museum. In Sketch installations at several sites you use crayons to colour in a creature, which then comes alive as a projection on the walls and the floor. The colours, textures and lighting are ripe for Instagramming, leading some critics to dismiss the installations as art candy or a tourist trap. But they also explore bigger themes of self, boundaries, interconnection, and life and death in the natural world. They lead you on a psychedelic journey without taking actual psychedelics. Here are eight places around the globe where you can get a taste of the trippy and thrilling teamLab experience. Tokyo (Japan) Be ready to take off your shoes and get wet at teamLab Planets (admission: ¥3,800 to ¥5,400/RM112 to RM159), which opened new rooms in January. This linear interactive space, in the city's Toyosu district, features elements like trampolines, mirrors, water and garden rooms. Inside, you can peer into a crystal starscape, wander through an immersive flower garden and wade with fluorescent koi. The new Catching And Collecting Extinct Forest installation allows you to catch and release digital endangered animals while learning about them on an integrated app. In the Sketch space, you can colour your own creatures to be projected into the exhibit, and then in the Factory, buy a T-shirt with your creature on it. Even Emptiness Table, the museum's vegan ramen restaurant, offers an ever-changing digital art experience. Visitors at teamLab Borderless at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo. The group's psychedelic sensory playgrounds of light, sound, stars, bubbles, birds and more are expanding around the globe, dazzling millions of visitors a year. — Shiho Fukada/The New York Times Borderless (¥3,600 to ¥5,600/RM106 to RM165), teamLab's other major Tokyo museum in the Azabudai Hills district, is a non-linear series of rooms to explore with no map and no directions. Clustered around a central waterfall, the rooms splinter off, with themes and motifs like bubbles and digital crows that fly from one installation to another. Take as long as you want to feel your way through. At the attached teahouse, enjoy the infinitely blooming flowers projected into your cup. New York (US) Generated by a computer programme using data points influenced by the season, sunrise and sunset, Continuous Life And Death At The Now Of Eternity II (free) is a digital garden of seasonal blossoms such as chrysanthemums, azaleas and hydrangeas. The evolving garden, which never repeats but echoes the real weather conditions outside, is displayed on a roughly 8.2m by 4.8m public screen in the lobby of 1 Vanderbilt, a skyscraper next door to Grand Central Terminal. The work, which dominates a route frequented by commuters, seems designed to be viewed consistently by the same people across seasons and years. Miami, Florida (US) Between Life And Non-Life (US$32/RM136), part of the immersive Superblue Miami museum, explores growth and regeneration by inviting visitors to interact with digital flowers, vines and water on the walls and floor amid pulsating ambient music. Touch the wall, then step back and quietly watch the plants grow, die and be washed away, only to begin the cycle again. For an extra charge, visitors can also walk through teamLab's Massless Clouds Between Sculpture And Life exhibit, a space filled with floating, fluffy masses of cloud-like suds. Superblue also features spaces by artists like Es Devlin and James Turrell. The teamLab group's psychedelic sensory playgrounds of light, sound, stars, bubbles, birds and more are expanding around the globe, dazzling millions of visitors a year. — AFP Izura, Japan Hidden Traces Of Rice Terraces , a nighttime-only outdoor project (¥2,400/RM71), 'explores how nature can become art' by using digital technology to avoid harming the installation's natural environment of abandoned rice fields in a forest by the sea. Lanterns guide visitors as they trace the borders of rice terraces along a mirror-like path of water while projected light and music create an ethereal effect using the trees, waves and terrain. In a forest space, beams of light shoot past like a long-exposure photo of fireflies. On a beach installation, when the waves rise, projected flowers bloom, symbolising the breath of life. The site, about 150 minutes by train northeast of Tokyo, sits near a hot spring hotel, where you can extend the otherworldly teamLab experience with a hot soak amid the installations (rooms start at ¥19,177/RM566). Singapore Surrounding the centrepiece 40m Jewel Rain Vortex waterfall inside Changi Airport, the living Resonating Forest – Shiseido Forest Valley (free) shines and dims, with individual coloured lights illuminating each tree as if it's breathing. The lights change tone depending on the tree's elevation and spread to the nearby trees, adapting as travellers pass. Digital Light Canvas (S$8.55/RM28) at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, echoes the Jewel Rain Vortex, but with crystal lights acting as the water. As in other teamLab locations, visitors can hand-colour creatures, but here they are projected onto the floor below the simulated waterfall. Abu Dhabi (UAE) TeamLab Phenomena, a white, undulating waterfront museum (150 dirhams/RM174), sits alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The rotating installations inside, all linked to the theme 'environmental phenomena', include interactive whirlpools simulating the ones found in Japan, a room full of moving beams of light that converge to create giant sculptures, and floating metallic eggs that respond to a wading visitor's touch with sound. In one space, Levitation Void , a black sphere hovering at the centre of a red-lit room moves in response to visitors. – ©2025 Lisa Lucas/The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
