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 7,000-square-meter space launches with the most expansive permanent teamLab exhibition in Europe, marking a major milestone for 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. It is teamLab’s third major permanent museum worldwide, following Tokyo and Shanghai. Spread across the entire building, teamLab Borderless in Hamburg will be a seamless, immersive ecosystem where digital artworks move freely between rooms and transform with human interaction. Ceilings soar to 10 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. ‘Since then, one thing has been clear to me: I want to bring this to Hamburg, Germany and Europe,’ he explains. 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. According to Schrauth, the museum will serve as 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. The initiative also aims to become the first climate-neutral museum in the world, embedding sustainability and fairness into every level of its operations, from carbon offsetting to transparent ticket pricing and fair wages.
teamLab, Universe of Water Particles on a Rock where People Gather, Courtesy teamLab Borderless Tokyo © teamLab
teamLab, Forest of Flowers and People: Lost, Immersed and Reborn © teamLab
teamLab, Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as well: Cosmic Void, Courtesy teamLab Borderless Jeddah © teamLab
teamLab, Forest of Resonating Lamps – One Stroke, Fire, Courtesy teamLab Borderless Jeddah © teamLab
teamLab, The Way of the Sea: Crystal World © teamLab
teamLab, Light Vortex, Courtesy teamLab Borderless Tokyo © teamLab
teamLab, Infinite Crystal World © teamLab
set to become the largest institution in Europe | image © UBS Digital Art Museum
visitors of all ages can explore without physical or conceptual barriers | image © UBS Digital Art Museum
the museum’s long-term mission is to showcase the full spectrum of digital art | image © UBS Digital Art Museum
project info:
name: UBS Digital Art Museum | @digitalartmuseum
location: HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany
founder: Lars Hinrichs
CEO: Caren Brockmann
artistic director: Ulrich Schrauth | @uschrauth
lead partner / naming sponsor: UBS | @ubs
inaugural exhibition: teamLab Borderless Hamburg
artist: teamLab | @teamlab, @teamlab_borderless
opening year: 2026
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