Toyota has launched its first-of-its-kind lifestyle and cultural hub in India: the Toyota Kirloskar Motor “tem” (Toyota Experiential Museum), located on the ground floor of the Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru.
Spanning approximately 8,200 sq ft, the space is designed to engage all five senses — offering visuals, sound, scents, textures, and tastes that blend Japanese minimalism with Indian warmth.
What To Expect Inside Them
Multisensory Immersion
Visitors are greeted by a “seasonal” mirrored room that transitions through summer heat, monsoon rainfall, autumn tones, and spring blossoms — the idea being to evoke nature’s rhythm and reflection.
An audio-visual collaboration with Japan’s percussion group Drum Tao offers immersive experiences of sound and motion. A standout installation features a car draped in satin behind a cascading water curtain — a dramatic blend of vehicle, art, and environment.
Cultural & Lifestyle Blend
Rather than a typical showroom or museum centred purely on vehicles, the focuses on the philosophy of mobility, human connection, and mindful design. Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy MD of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, explained that the vision is:
“Our vision of creating ‘Happier Paths Together’ goes beyond mobility — it is about inspiring experiences that connect people, cultures, and emotions.” The concept draws on the Indian idea of Sādhanā (mindful discipline) and Japanese values of precision, serenity and respect for nature, aligning them into a unique experience.
Café & Merchandise
On the lifestyle side, tem includes a café that fuses Japanese matcha with Indian flavours — a place to relax, reflect and refresh. There’s also a curated merchandise store where visitors can purchase thoughtfully designed items that resonate with the museum’s minimalist aesthetic.
Location & Visiting Info
- 📍 Address: Unit G-22, Upper Ground Floor, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bytarayanapura Village, Yelahanka Hobli, Bengaluru, Karnataka–560092.
- ✅ Ticketing: Visit the tem website or BookMyShow to reserve tickets.
- 🕒 Ideal For: anyone interested in culture, design, technology, mobility, or simply looking for a relaxing, reflective outing in Bengaluru.
Why It Matters — For Mobility, Brand & Experience
- Brand Repositioning: By opening them, Toyota signals that its idea of “mobility” extends beyond cars — into lifestyle, culture, and emotional experience.
- Experiential Innovation: tem represents a shift in how automotive brands engage with consumers — not just through product launches, but through immersive, multi-sensory environments.
- Cultural Fusion: The blending of Indian and Japanese traditions, the focus on mindfulness (Sādhanā), and the temple-like design of the space reflect a deeper narrative about purpose and values, not just commerce.
- New Destination For Bengaluru: In a city known for its tech and startup ecosystem, tem adds a dimension of art-meets-mobility — appealing to millennials, families, and design-aware visitors.
Tips For Visiting
- Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and get more time for reflection in the immersive spaces.
- Bring a camera – several installations are highly photogenic (but do check for any photography restrictions).
- Take time in the café: the matcha-Indian flavour fusion is both unusual and memorable.
- Pick up merchandise if you’re interested in well-designed souvenirs — the store reflects the same minimalist ethos as the museum itself.
- Consider visiting with friends or family: while there is a strong design and tech appeal, the experience is welcoming to non-car-fans too.
Conclusion
With them, Toyota has effectively created a destination, not just a showroom or brand experience. For Bengaluru residents and visitors alike, the space offers a calm, sensory-rich retreat in the midst of the city — marrying art, technology, mobility, and mindfulness in one package.