teamLab headlines launch of hamburg's UBS digital art museum

hamburg launches UBS Digital Art Museum in 2026

In 2026, Hamburg debuts the UBS Digital Art Museum, a cultural landmark set to become the largest institution in Europe dedicated exclusively to digital and immersive art. Founded by tech entrepreneur Lars Hinrichs and led by Artistic Director Ulrich Schrauth, the museum is backed by UBS as naming sponsor and lead partner. Nestled in the city’s HafenCity district, the 6,500-square-meter space launches with a permanent teamLab exhibition, marking a notable addition to the cultural scene of Hamburg and the international evolution of digital art.

the museum is set to open in Hamburg’s HafenCity district | image © Heide und von Beckerath

teamLab Borderless Hamburg realizes a vision born in tokyo

The opening exhibition of the museum, teamLab Borderless Hamburg, introduces a monumental, interactive art environment by the acclaimed international art collective. Spread across the entire building, teamLab Borderless in Hamburg will be an immersive ecosystem where digital artworks move freely between rooms and transform with human interaction. Ceilings soar to 12 meters, offering a cathedral-like canvas for teamLab’s algorithmic landscapes, animated waterfalls, and responsive light forms.

The origin story of the UBS Digital Art Museum began in Tokyo, when Hinrichs visited teamLab Borderless for the first time and was inspired to bring a similar experience to Hamburg, Germany, and Europe. That vision took shape in 2019, culminating in the selection of HafenCity, a waterfront development known for its experimental architecture and cultural ambition, as the ideal location. Positioned between the Elbphilharmonie and the maritime museum, the site situates the museum within Hamburg’s new axis of innovation and public life.

a milestone for the cultural scene of Hamburg | image © Studio Bauer, Thorsten Bauer

where art is meant to be touched, felt, and co-created

While UBS lends its name and strategic support, the UBS Digital Art Museum remains a private initiative – artist- and audience-driven, rather than corporate-owned. As stated by Ulrich Schrauth during a Digital Art Mile panel discussion at Basel, the museum is intended to be a ‘platform for digital and immersive art that makes this new genre accessible and tangible for everyone.’ Breaking with traditional museum models, teamLab Borderless Hamburg will invite visitors of all ages to explore without physical or conceptual barriers. No ‘do not touch’ signs here, as photography, interaction, and even co-creation are integral parts of the experience.

Beyond its inaugural exhibition, the museum will operate with the long-term mission to showcase the full spectrum of digital art, support emerging practices, and foster public dialogue around art and technology.