Sweden’s capital city is outstanding for a lot of reasons, but its colorful cave-like metro stations take the cake. While commuting to and from work or going about mundane errands on public transit, people are treated to 70 miles of subterranean artistic expression. Over 90 of the 100 stations in the 110km labyrinth have been adorned with paintings, mosaics, installations, carvings and sculptures dating back to the 1950s. Over 150 artists throughout the decades have participated in this accessible art experiment that spans five decades of European art history. Take a look at Stockholm’s subway, often called “the world’s longest art gallery.”
1. The Devine T-Centralen Station
T-Centralen is the central hub of Stockholm’s subway system where all trains connect. Standing around waiting for the train is made all the more pleasant with blue vines and flowers enhancing the place. This one was designed by Per Olof Ultvedt in 1975.
2. Pride in the Metro?
You can interpret it any way you want, but Stadion station on the red line was actually designed in 1973 by Enno Hallek and Åke Pallarp to commemorate the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. How nice to walk under a rainbow on your morning commute.
3. Look Up at Funky Kungsträdgården Station
Painted by Ulrik Samuelson in 1977, this cavernous stop is decorated with vibrant abstract harlequin designs along the ceiling. There’s also a display of artifacts, relics and remnants from Makalös Palace which once stood on this spot.
