teamLab Biovortex Kyoto | teamLab

Oct 07, 2025 - Kyoto

Tickets on Sale now

Oct 07, 2025 - Kyoto

Tickets on Sale now

Artworks

Massless Amorphous Sculpture

The only material substances present in this space are ordinary soap, water, and air. The bubbles are soap bubbles.
This floating, immense sculpture emerges from a sea of bubbles, transcending the very concept of mass. It neither sinks to the ground nor rises completely to the ceiling, but instead drifts in the middle of the space. The contours of its existence are ambiguous—it fragments into smaller pieces, but merges into a larger mass. Even when people fully immerse themselves in this sculpture, its existence remains intact. If broken by people, it naturally restores itself. However, when the sculpture is destroyed beyond what it can repair, it collapses, unable to recover. Even if people try to move or push this floating sculpture, they cannot do so, and if they stir up wind, the sculpture disperses entirely. Physical human actions cannot move the sculpture.
Objects such as stones and man-made creations maintain a stable structure on their own. A stone will continue to exist even if placed in a sealed box, isolated from the external world.On the other hand, a vortex created in the ocean disappears instantly when transferred into an enclosed box. In other words, a vortex does not maintain a stable structure independently. A vortex exists within the flow created by its environment formed by water continuously from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside, maintained by the vortex’s ordered structure. This flow allows the vortex to shift as the surrounding currents change. Moreover, its boundaries are ambiguous, and there is no material distinction between the vortex and its surroundings.
Rather than a solid object, this sculpture is created by the order of energy generated by the phenomena of a unique environment.  Let us call this existence created by the order of energy, a "Higher Order Sculpture." The artwork is inseparable from the environment and changes along with the environment. It transcends the conventional notions of physical objects—it sustains its existence mid-air, having ambiguous boundaries, and it is able to maintain its shape even when people immerse themselves physically into the sculpture, naturally restoring itself even if the sculpture breaks.
By filling the space with soap bubbles, a distinct environment is created in which an order of energy is born. By doing so, a massive form emerges from this sea of bubbles that floats steadily in mid-air.
In modern biology, the definition of life cannot be strictly defined, but everything that is structured upon cells, capable of metabolism, and self-reproduction are labeled living things for convenience. In other words, all living things are composed of cells. All cells are enclosed by a cell membrane constructed of a lipid bilayer, with the hydrophilic part facing outward and the hydrophobic part covered within the layers. Both the inside and outside of the enveloping membrane are liquid. Soap bubbles are similarly enveloped by lipid bilayer membranes, and these membranes are structurally identical to cell membranes. However, contrary to cells, the bilayer of the bubble membrane floats in and encloses air, so the hydrophobic part faces outward, while the hydrophilic part is covered within the layers. In other words, if we consider cells to be pouch-shaped membranes in liquid, then bubbles are pouch-shaped membranes in air. This sculpture is created from substances composed in the same ways as cells, the structuring units of life-forms, and the order of energy created from this environment.
The same is true of life. It consumes external matter and energy as food and discharges it, sustaining its ordered structure as the energy dissipates. Life exists within the flow of matter and energy, and its contour, like a vortex, is ambiguous.Perhaps, life is a miraculous phenomenon that emerges in the flow of matter and energy, and its structure is the order of energy created by that flow.

Morphing Continuum

Even if individual elements are separated in space and time, when a structural order appears among them, the elements transcend space and time and form a single entity. Despite significant changes in shape or size on the surface, or even if all of the elements are replaced, the single existence will be maintained. This spatiotemporal existence is part of the whole, it appears from the whole, and is returned to it. It is a living universe - a biocosmos.
Sculptural existence is born in space. It takes form on the ground as a mass and rises from the ground. Existence is born in the air, transcending the very concept of mass, and continues to exist mid-air, maintained in place. The boundaries of these existences are ambiguous, and the glowing spheres that compose them are continuously changing. Even when people fully immerse themselves in this sculpture, its existence remains intact. If broken by people, it naturally restores itself. Even if people try to move or push this floating entity, they cannot do so. Physical human actions cannot move the sculpture. 
Rather than a solid object, this sculptural entity is created by the order of energy generated by the phenomena of a unique environment. Let us call this existence High Order Sculpture. The artwork is inseparable from the environment and changes along with the environment. It transcends the conventional notions of physical objects—it sustains its existence mid-air, having ambiguous boundaries, and it is able to maintain its shape even when people immerse themselves physically into the sculpture, naturally restoring itself even if the sculpture breaks.

Massless Suns and Dark Suns

Countless spheres of light and spheres of darkness.
Each sphere of light can be clearly perceived in the space as a mass seemingly made of solidified light, however, there is no material surface boundary. The perception of the boundary between the artwork and your body is ambiguous.When you broaden your vision, purple-blue spheres made of darkness also begin to appear, as though darkness has been solidified.
If you try to touch a sphere of light, the sphere shines brightly and the surrounding spheres respond one after the other.Light does not solidify, and masses made entirely of light do not exist in the universe. In other words, these spheres of light only exist in your perception.The artwork cannot exist on its own - its existence is a phenomenon created by its environment.The work questions the notion of existence and what it means.

Traces of Life

The artwork space becomes one with the people and begins to move, forming traces from their feet that remain for a while. The trace becomes one long trajectory that remains in the artwork space, and becomes one large existence.
Without people in the artwork space, nothing exists other than the space, and nothing will ever be depicted - the world of the artwork is created through people's existence. 

The Way of Birds

The movement of hundreds of thousands of birds is beautiful and mysterious, like a single, giant life form.
Even if each individual element is separated in space and time, when there is order among them, the individual elements may be recognized as a single entity that transcends space and time. Despite significant changes in shape or size on the surface, or even if the elements are replaced, this single existence will be maintained, and be recognized as the same entity. This spatiotemporal existence differs from physical matter, and will open up new possibilities of existence. This artwork portrays this spatiotemporal existence.

The Eternal Universe of Words

This work is to be viewed while lying down or sitting, with the body relaxed.
Created for the Prayer exhibition, this work was shown in private from April 25th to May 31st, 2021, during the state of emergency declared due to COVID-19.Spatial Calligraphy continues to be written for eternity in an infinitely expanding space. The sound of the characters echoes from each position in the calligraphy, and the combined sounds create a continuous chant.

Forest of Resonating Lamps: One Stroke - Fire

This is an artwork about the continuity of light, which is generated as people move around freely and interact with the lamps.
When a person stands still, the lamp closest to them shines brightly, and its light continues on to the next nearest lamp. It also intersects with light born from other people.
The seemingly random arrangement of lamps in the space is mathematically derived such that, starting from any lamp, a line continuously drawn to the nearest lamp results in a single, connected path of light that passes through every lamp exactly once, like a unicursal stroke.
The light from a lamp that responds to a person always connects to its nearest neighbor, passing through every lamp once as the light propagates to all lamps in the space.
This is a work that explores the beauty of continuity itself, found in the continuous light that is born from the presence of people.

Forest of Resonating Lamps: One Stroke - a Year in the Mountains

Before the modern era in Japan, complex colors born from the characteristics of silk were given descriptive names evocative of the four seasons. Such colors were called Kasane no Irome (nuances of layered colors), and were created by the combination of the lining and exterior fabric (silk was thin at the time so the color of the lining showed through the exterior fabric), gradations from overlapping colors, and blending of warp and weft.
This is an artwork about the continuity of light, which is generated as people move around freely and interact with the lamps.
When a person stands still, the lamp closest to them shines brightly, and its light continues on to the next nearest lamp. It also intersects with light born from other people.
The seemingly random arrangement of lamps in the space is mathematically derived such that, starting from any lamp, a line continuously drawn to the nearest lamp results in a single, connected path of light that passes through every lamp exactly once, like a unicursal stroke.
The light from a lamp that responds to a person always connects to its nearest neighbor, passing through every lamp once as the light propagates to all lamps in the space.
This is a work that explores the beauty of continuity itself, found in the continuous light that is born from the presence of people.

Untitled

About teamLab

teamLab (f. 2001) is an international art collective. Their collaborative practice seeks to navigate the confluence of art, science, technology, and the natural world. Through art, the interdisciplinary group of specialists, including artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects, aims to explore the relationship between the self and the world, and new forms of perception.

In order to understand the world around them, people separate it into independent entities with perceived boundaries between them. teamLab seeks to transcend these boundaries in our perceptions of the world, of the relationship between the self and the world, and of the continuity of time. Everything exists in a long, fragile yet miraculous, borderless continuity.

teamLab’s works are in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney; Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; National Gallery of Australia, Canberra;  Amos Rex, Helsinki; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco; Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, Istanbul; and Asia Society Museum, New York, among others.

teamlab.art

Biographical Documents

teamLab is represented by Pace Gallery, Martin Browne Contemporary and Ikkan Art.

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Venue Details

teamLab Biovortex Kyoto

Term

Oct 07, 2025 -

Hours

9:00 - 21:00
* Last entry: 19:30
* Opening hours are subject to change.

Closed

Tuesday, October 21
Tuesday, November 4
Tuesday, November 18
Tuesday, December 2
Tuesday, December 16
* Closed days are subject to change.

Access

Address

21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto

Address in local language:

京都市南区東九条東岩本町21-5

By Train

7 min on foot from Hachijo East Gate of Kyoto Station
11 min on foot from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Line

Faq

Regarding tickets

Will tickets be available on the day？

If not sold out, tickets can be purchased on the day of the event through the official ticket website.
They can also be purchased on site, but at different prices. Tickets may be sold out.

Can I change or cancel the date of my ticket?

・In general, tickets cannot be canceled or changed once purchased. However, the date can be changed for tickets directly purchased from the official ticketing website.
To do so, select 'Modify ticket date' displayed on the QR ticket and follow the procedure. 
The date of the ticket may be changed up to 3 times. 
Deadline for the change
Entrance Pass: Changes can be made up to 2 hours prior to the admission date and time.
Flexible Pass: Changes can be made up to 2 hours prior to the last admission time.

The ticket date cannot be changed in the following cases:
　- The date has already been changed 3 times
　- Changing to a different type of ticket
　- Changing to date that has sold out or has insufficient tickets left
　- Changing the date of a portion of tickets within a multiple-ticket purchase
　- Changing to multiple dates within a multiple-ticket purchase
　- Changing to a date that is not yet available for purchase

Regarding entry

Is re-entry permitted?

Re-entry is not permitted.

Regarding the venue

Are filming and photography allowed? Can I post them on social media?

Taking photos and videos, as well as posting them on social media are allowed. However, the following actions are prohibited:

・Use of monopods, tripods, selfie sticks and other auxiliary equipments with a total  length of 30cm or more, as well as flash photography or drone photography.
・Filming or photography for commercial purposes without prior consent.
・Other actions that may cause inconvenience to other visitors.

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Visitor Inquiries

Inquiry Form

Media Inquiries

Inquiry Form

Tickets

Admission

* Tickets have designated dates/times.
* Tickets for adults and visitors with disabilities are subject to dynamic pricing, and prices will differ by day. Please purchase a ticket for the designated date/time upon checking the ticket price for the day.
* Tickets purchased on site at the museum will be +JPY 200 in addition to the above price.
* Official Sales Site are only available on the official ticket website and KLOOK

Adults

18 and above

JPY 3,400

13 - 17 years

JPY 2,800

4 - 12 years

JPY 1,800

3 years and under

Free

Visitors with disabilities

50% off the adult price

JPY 1,700

Flexible Pass

Admission time is not specified

JPY 12,000

Tickets

Official Ticketing Website

Buy Tickets

Notes

Regarding ticket purchase

・Tickets are date and time-specific, and may sell out.

・Adult and disabled discounts are based on a variable price system.

・If the tickets are not sold out, they can be purchased on the day of the event through the official ticket website.

Tickets can also be purchased at the venue, but ticket prices vary and they may sell out when you purchase.

・In general, tickets cannot be canceled or changed once purchased. However, the date can be changed for tickets directly purchased from the official ticketing website.

The date of the ticket may be changed up to 3 times. To do so, select 'Modify ticket date' displayed on the QR ticket and follow the procedure.

Deadline for the Change: Changes can be made 2 hours prior to the indicated date and time.

The ticket date cannot be changed in the following cases:

　- The date has already been changed 3 times

　- Changing to a different type of ticket

　- Changing to date that has sold out or has insufficient tickets left

　- Changing the date for a portion of tickets within a multiple-ticket purchase

　- Changing to multiple dates within a multiple-ticket purchase

　- Changing to a date that is not yet available for purchase

・Prices include tax.

・For those aged 13-17, proof of ID is required at the entrance gate.

・Visitors with a disability certificate:

Discounted tickets are available for holders of a disability certificate, along with one accompanying person.

(Children's tickets cannot be further discounted, however, the accompanying adult is eligible for a discounted ticket if the child holds a disability certificate.)

The disability certificate will be requested at the entrance gate, so please make sure that the accompanying person enters at the same time.

The disability certificate can be issued by any country.

The Mirailo ID app can be accepted in place of a Disability Certificate.

・Children (elementary school and below) must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 years old or above. (High School studets are allowed) There must be one accompanying adult for every three children, including children eligible for free entry.

・Children under 3 years old may enter for free.

・Curators, guides, escorts, and attendants accompanying groups, tours, etc. are also required to purchase a ticket regardless of any credentials they might have.

Notice to Visitors

・Regarding injuries, losses, damages, and other troubles arising that may occur during your visit to this exhibition, we shall not be liable except in cases where such issues are directly caused by our negligence. Except in cases of our willful misconduct or gross negligence, in which case our liability shall be limited to direct and actual damages.

・Resale of tickets is prohibited, and tickets purchased on resale websites, etc. will not be accepted. In such cases, teamLab will not be held responsible for any problems associated with those tickets.

・Certain artworks may not be available due to large crowds or maintenance.

・Artworks or artwork specifications may vary by season.

・The opening time of the venue may change with prior notice on the official website.

・The exhibition may be canceled due to circumstances of the venue.

・Tickets can be refunded only if the venue has an unscheduled closure.

・We do not guarantee travel expenses or other costs associated with your visit, even in the event of a temporary closure.

・Please come to the entrance at the admission time indicated on the ticket and wait in line.

・Please note that you may be asked to wait to enter during busy times. Please be prepared for heat and cold protection depending on the season.

・Please refrain from waiting, eating, drinking, or sitting around the museum.

We also ask that you please be considerate of nearby residents.

・If you would like to leave the line temporarily, please make sure that someone in your party stays in the line

・There is no limit on the duration of your stay at the venue after admission.

・Re-entry is not permitted.

・Animals are not allowed at the venue excluding assistance dogs.

・Please look after your own personal belongings. The venue will not be liable for any stolen or lost items.

・Please be aware that the exhibition space is dimly lit and has uneven and potentially unstable surfaces. This may increase the risk of falls, collisions with other visitors, and other potential injuries.

For your comfort and safety, we ask that the following visitors carefully consider these conditions and use their own judgment when deciding whether to experience the exhibition

Please note that our staff may also restrict the experience based on their observations.

　- Pregnant individuals

　- Those who have difficulty walking independently

　- Those carrying children

　- Individuals who are sensitive to light or flashing lights

　- Individuals with physical or health concerns

・For safety reasons, anyone wearing high heels, sandals, wooden clogs, or other unsteady footwear will not be allowed to enter the Athletic Area. You can rent and change into sneakers. However, they are limited in quantity and design, so we recommend that you bring your own sneakers.

・The artworks may produce flashing lights, loud sounds, and aromas.

・Some of the artwork has restrictions of height and age.

・There are some artworks that have mirror floors, please be aware. For the customers wearing skirts, you can borrow a wrap skirt which is near the artwork.

・You must take the stairs to experience some artworks.

・For safety reasonspregnant women are not permitted in some areas.

・It is possible to enter the museum on a wheelchair. However, there are some art works that cannot be experienced (works inaccessible with a wheelchair) for safety reasons.

・Wheelchair users may be asked to wait, as the number of wheelchair users admitted at one time is limited.

About baggage

・The following items are not allowed to be brought in

　Food & alcoholic beverages

　Items that exceed 50cm

　Strollers must be stored in the luggage room.

　Hazardous items, items with strong smells, fresh flowers, etc.

　Drinks with no caps.

　Any other items deemed to be dangerous by staff.

・Please refrain from entering the premises with things on your person that may affect other visitors' viewing experience, such as flashing shoes, flashing bracelets or glow sticks.

・Please do not touch the projectors, sensors, lights, and other equipment for safety reasons.

・Eating food including candy and gum are not allowed in the museum.Only drinks are allowed in the designated area.

・Visitors who are ill or drunk will not be allowed to entry.

・You may be asked to provide identification upon entry.

Examples: driver's licence, health insurance card, student card, passport, My Number card, any identification that provides valid proof of your name and age.

・Please follow the staff's instructions. Visitors who do not follow the instructions may be escorted out of the premisis.

Regarding filming

・Taking photos and videos are allowed but please be careful not to cause inconvenience to other visitors.

・Please refrain from using flash.

・No monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, or other auxiliary equipments with a total length of 30cm or more are allowed to be brought in or used.

・Media filming may take place without prior notice. If you do not wish to be featured in the coverage, please inform our staff.

・Filming, photography or live streaming for commercial purposes is not permitted without prior consent.

News

Featured on Time Out, June 02, 2025

Finally! teamLab is opening a permanent immersive art museum in Kyoto

Called teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, this immersive art space is part of a new creative hub within the Kyoto Station Southeast Area Project. The pieces are made of materials you wouldn’t normally expect in conventional art, and in typical teamLab fashion, you can literally step into the installations.

Featured on HYPERBEAST, May 29, 2025

teamlab Biovortex Kyoto Set To Open This Fall

Located near Kyoto Station, the museum is part of the city’s broader urban revitalization initiative. This project aims to establish a dynamic cultural and creative hub, fostering a new synergy around art, youth, and innovation. The concept behind “Biovortex” suggests a swirling center of life and interconnectedness, themes deeply resonant with teamLab’s artistic philosophy.

Featured on designboom, May 27, 2025

teamLab announces kyoto museum with massless sculptures and interactive light works

teamLab announces the launch of its upcoming museum, teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, set to open in Minami-ku, Kyoto in the Fall of 2025. The immersive space will serve as a cultural hub for experimental digital art, featuring new and previously unseen works that merge perception, environment, and embodied experience.(Excerpt from the text)

Organizers

Kyoto Station Southeast Area Project Limited Liability Partnership