teamLab Planets vs teamLab Borderless: Which to go?
Why not both!
· 3 min read
summary
In the realm where art and technology intersect, teamLab stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity. Known for its unique, immersive experience, teamLab offers visitors an experience that is unlike any other.
What is teamLab?
Founded in 2001, teamLab is an international art collective that adopts an interdisciplinary approach to art. Comprising an interdisciplinary group of specialists, including artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects, teamLab seeks to transcend the boundaries of people's perceptions of the world.
teamLab's exhibitions have been held in many major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, Singapore, Beijing, and Melbourne.
How many teamLabs are there in Tokyo?
There are currently two teamLab exhibits in Tokyo - the teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless.
teamLab Borderless was the world's first museum that was solely dedicated to digital art. When it first opened in Odaiba in 2018, it set a world record for the most visited single-artist museum in the world. The venue closed in August 2022, but has reopened at the new Azabudai Hills on 9 February 2024.
teamLab Planets opened in 2018 at Toyosu, and is scheduled to run until the end of 2027.
What is the difference between teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless?
Both teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless offer a very unique and immersive experience where the artworks can transform under the presence and movement of people. But while you can expect a very immersive experience at both teamLabs, what you will experience is at each teamLab location is very different.
teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets focuses on tactile sensations and various hands-on activities, such as walking through water or on uneven flooring. There are 4 large-scale artwork spaces and 2 gardens. Follow the path was you embark on a journey through the four main rooms and 2 gardens.
teamLab Borderless
On the other hand, teamLab Borderless is much more exploratory. Like its name suggests, teamLab Borderless focuses on continuity and borderless connections. The artworks move freely around the rooms, influencing and forming connections with each other. There isn't a structured or fixed path that you would need to go through at teamLab Borderless, and you will be free to wander, explore, and create your own world with other visitors.
Which teamLab should I go to?
If time permits, go for both!
But, if you can only choose one, here are some factors that you can consider:
- teamLab Borderless is bigger and you are likely to spend more time there.
- teamLab Planets is a timed exhibit (currently planned until 2027), but teamLab Borderless is permanent.
- teamLab Planets used to be much less crowded than teamLab Borderless. However, since teamLab Borderless closed down in 2022, the crowds at teamLab Planets increased greatly and it could get really overcrowded. But, with the reopening of teamLab Borderless, we can expect the Borderless to become the one that is more crowded and congested.
- You will be walking through water at teamLab Planets, and so will all the other visitors. So, if you have concerns about walking barefoot through water that others have walked in, then it might not be for you.
- If you will be traveling with younger children or elderly, then perhaps Borderless would be a better option.
How do I get tickets for teamLab?
You can purchase the tickets online via their official website or via Klook — prices are the same, and cancellation is not allowed regardless of platform. Klook also offers a skip-the-line ticket for teamLab Planets at 7,200 JPY (as opposed to the regular admission price of 3,800 JPY); or if you are looking to visit other attractions, there are combo deals or a Tokyo pass that is available.
You can also get tickets at the door, but it is subject to availability. At-the-door tickets will also be 200 JPY more expensive than if you were to get them online.
