During my last two trips to Tokyo, I eagerly attempted to secure tickets for the TeamLab exhibit but faced "sold out" notifications regardless of how early I tried to book. So, I was thrilled to discover that TeamLab has an installation called "Massless" right here in Beijing.
TeamLab consists of a collective of artists from various disciplines (including sculptors, musicians, photographers, lighting designers, digital artists, etc.) who create immersive and interactive art installations that invite viewers to engage with them. The fascinating aspect is that your interaction not only influences your personal experience but also alters and evolves the artwork itself. Their exhibits can be found worldwide, including locations in Japan, Singapore, Australia, Finland, and Korea.
The installation is located on the tenth floor of Chaoyang Joy City. Following the signs after exiting the elevator, I presented my ticket code from my email and was guided down a dimly lit hallway. Initially, it was a bit disorienting—dark and eerily silent. As we cautiously approached a doorway, we were greeted by a vibrant explosion of color, form, and sound. It felt like entering Alice's Wonderland, surrounded by blooming fields of flowers with every surface acting as a projection screen. Our group began to explore in different directions, uncovering secret rooms and regrouping to share whispers and indicate spots for others to check out.
I had two favorite spaces. "Resonating Microcosms" is an otherworldly planet filled with strange translucent eggs. If you're daring enough to touch them, you'll discover that each egg resonates at a distinct frequency and emits varying light spectrums. I spent nearly 20 minutes creating my own cosmic symphony! The second, "Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers," features a large projection dome set above a mirrored floor. The flowers continuously shift and change, and if you lie still on the ground, you start to feel as though you are floating in space. Additionally, any sounds made in the room project and echo, so you can freely sing, recite poetry, or tap rhythms on the metallic floor.
There were countless other incredible areas to explore, such as narrow hallways transforming into kaleidoscopes when photographed; interactive art walls that change upon touch, causing images to scatter or triggering bursts of stars; and an entire top floor designed for jumping, diving, and sliding, with the artwork responding to each movement. We spent nearly three hours exploring, and I’m certain we didn’t uncover every feature of the space.
I recommend avoiding skirts or low-cut tops as many surfaces are mirrored, and wearing comfortable shoes is essential since you’ll be walking, climbing, and jumping. I also suggest utilizing the free lockers available in the cloakroom, which operate via facial recognition, ensuring a secure storage for your belongings. I highly encourage you to experience this unique art installation for yourself!
The TeamLab "Massless" exhibition is currently at Chaoyang Joy City and is open until March 31. Tickets are priced at RMB 99 and can be acquired by scanning the QR code below.
Chaoyang Joy City
F10-11, Joy City, 101 Chaoyang Beilu (at the intersection of Qingnian Lu), Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳北路101，青年路口东北角朝阳北路大悦城F10-11
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Images: Julie Wolf
This exhibition at Chaoyang Joy City offers an exceptionally immersive experience.