Hamburg is making cultural history: in the heart of the HafenCity district, the city will soon be home to Europe’s first large-scale digital art museum. Spanning more than 6,500 square meters, the Digital Art Museum is set to open in 2025 with teamLab Borderless Hamburg, an awe-inspiring exhibition by the internationally renowned artist collective teamLab.
This is not a traditional museum. There are no frames or velvet ropes — instead, visitors are encouraged to touch, move through, and even transform the artwork.
“Touch. Be touched.” That’s the guiding principle — and it’s meant literally.
What to Expect Inside?
teamLab Borderless is an immersive, ever-changing world of digital art. Light, sound, movement and space merge into a seamless and dynamic experience. The artworks move between rooms, interact with each other, and respond to the presence of visitors.
After attracting 2.3 million visitors in its first year in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless is now coming to Europe for the first time, positioning Hamburg as a major destination for global digital innovation and contemporary art.
The Vision Behind the Project: Lars Hinrichs
The museum was initiated by Lars Hinrichs, tech entrepreneur and founder of XING. After experiencing teamLab Borderless in Tokyo, he knew Germany needed something similar.
“Hamburg offers ideal conditions for a Digital Art Museum — it’s creative, globally connected, and technologically forward-thinking,” said Hinrichs.
He and his team selected a prime site in Hamburg’s HafenCity — right by the Elbbrücken — and planned a 7,000-square-meter complex with 10-meter-high ceilings and cutting-edge tech. Construction began after an international architecture competition, with the museum expected to open by the end of 2024.
A New Cultural Landmark in Europe
The museum is part of a visionary mixed-use development featuring housing, a daycare center, international student residences, and excellent public transport links. It’s located near the Amerigo-Vespucci-Platz, HafenCity’s largest public square, and forms a cultural triangle with the Elbphilharmonie and Elbtower.
Hamburg’s Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher, who visited teamLab Borderless in Tokyo, expressed his excitement:
“The Digital Art Museum will be an extraordinary space for digital creativity and strengthens Hamburg’s role as a hub for culture and innovation.”
Art With a Mission: Inclusive, Sustainable, and Transparent
From the start, the project emphasizes values such as:
Climate neutrality as a core goal
Fair pricing and fair pay
Inclusivity and accessibility for all age groups (0–120)
Special programs for school groups and educational outreach
A dedicated team of around 25 people will run the museum, alongside innovative technology and creative partners eager to rethink the intersection of art and audience.
Tickets Available Soon
Even before the official opening, visitors can pre-book tickets at digitalartmuseum.com. The museum expects around 700,000 visitors in its first year — a bold new cultural magnet for Hamburg and Europe.
