Stockholm Metro System: The Longest Art Gallery in the World

If you think a subway is just a means to get from point A to point B, think again! The Stockholm metro system is like no other, and it’s proudly known as the world’s longest art gallery, stretching an impressive 110km. Yes, you read that right – 110km of art! From the colourful murals to neon lights and quirky installations, Stockholm’s metro is one big creative masterpiece.

Since 1957, artists have been busy transforming the metro into a space where art and daily commute collide. You’ll find over 100 stations, each one with its own unique artwork – no two stations are alike! Some of the older stations, initially built without any art, have been revamped with beautiful statues, murals, and installations. So, hopping on the metro here is like stepping into an underground art world, full of history, creativity, and, of course, some seriously Instagram-worthy spots.

Ready to discover some of the most photogenic stations in the Stockholm metro system? Let’s dive in!

Also read: 5 Things To Do in Stockholm For An Amazing Time in Sweden

1. Bagarmossen Subway Station

Bagarmossen might be the quietest station in Stockholm, but it has an intriguing history. This station, which opened in 1958, was the first of its kind to be closed and replaced by a new underground station in 1994. But the art lives on – The new station is home to stunning screen-printed glass plates by artist Gert Marcus. The artwork doesn’t shout for attention, but its soft, seamless colour transitions are soothing and beautiful, adding a splash of colour to your commute.

2. Citybanan – Odenplan

Take a ride on Stockholm’s newest railway line and check out one of the most striking installations in the city. Odenplan’s Life Line by David Svensson features jagged fluorescent white lines that hang down from the ceiling like a heartbeat monitor. Not just an aesthetic piece, it represents the artist’s son’s heartbeat during his birth. Talk about a personal touch! The 400m of LED lights are both functional and meaningful, lighting up the station with a powerful story.

3. Hallonbergen Subway Station

Hallonbergen is home to a playful, childlike dreamscape. The station’s artwork, designed by Elis Eriksson and Gösta Wallmark, was inspired by childhood drawings, including their own kids’ sketches! Expect to find colourful monsters, whimsical gadgets, and a vibrant fantasy world. It’s like stepping into a fairytale – after all, “Hallonbergen” translates to “Raspberry Mountains” – A name that sounds straight out of a children’s book!

4. Hötorget Subway Station

Step back in time at Hötorget, where Stockholm’s early metro stations were all about function, not art. But after much campaigning by artists, public art found its place in the metro. Fast forward to 1998, and you’ll find Gun Gordillo’s neon lights illuminating the station’s ceiling. It’s a nod to the past, with 1950s tile work and even the original wastebaskets preserved. But it’s the neon colours that bring a modern, fun twist to this retro station.

5. Kungsträdgården Subway Station

Kungsträdgården isn’t just one of Stockholm’s most stunning stations – It’s one of its most photographed! This vibrant station tells the story of the royal park above it, with red, white, and green colour schemes echoing the French formal gardens once located here. The station also houses replicas of the exterior art from the Makalös Palace that once stood in the park. Plus, it’s the only place in Northern Europe where you can spot the elusive Lessertia dentichelis spider. No one really knows how they got there, but they’re thriving, much like the station itself!

6. Mörby Centrum Subway Station

At first glance, Mörby Centrum’s art might seem low-key, but wait until you see the optical illusion! The walls appear to change colour depending on where you’re standing – from light pink to a greenish hue. It’s all about capturing the changing landscapes you experience during a journey, a clever and subtle way of reflecting movement. Gösta Wessel and Karin Ek’s art makes you feel like the station itself is on a journey with you!

7. Östermalmstorg Subway Station

Located deep underground, Östermalmstorg is one of the deepest stations in Stockholm. But the real treasure lies in the art. The walls are decorated with Siri Derkert’s beautiful sketches, which reflect her passion for peace, the environment, and women’s rights. The station’s artwork is like a mini-exhibition dedicated to the cause, with portraits of environmentalists and figures from the women’s rights movement. Derkert’s legacy lives on every time you pass through this station.

8. Solna Centrum Subway Station

If you’re after a bold, political statement, Solna Centrum has it on lock. The station’s walls depict a striking green forest with a fiery red sunset – A timeless and peaceful beauty. But there’s more to it! The artists added details reflecting hot topics from 1970s Sweden: deforestation, environmental concerns, and rural depopulation. It’s art with a purpose and a deep message that still resonates today.

9. Solna Strand Subway Station

Solna Strand’s art is like stepping into a world of contrasts. The station features Takashi Naraha’s famous yin-and-yang-style art, where light and darkness play together. The heavenly cubes hanging from the ceiling mirror the open sky above, while the black cube outside the entrance connects to the dark, mysterious cave below. It’s a beautiful balance of light and shadow that feels almost meditative.

10. Stadion Subway Station

Stadion is a rainbow-filled, pride-ready subway station that’s all about celebrating Stockholm’s sporting history and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. With its vivid rainbow against blue cave walls, it’s a welcoming sight for festival-goers during Stockholm Pride. The station’s playful design is also a nod to the Stockholm Olympic Stadium nearby, where the 1912 Olympics were held. A perfect blend of celebration, history, and art.

11. T-Centralen Subway Station

The heart of the Stockholm metro system, T-Centralen is famous for being the first station to feature artwork in 1957. The blue line platform, painted almost entirely in blue (surprise, surprise!), was designed to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere for busy commuters. The simple yet beautiful motifs of flowers and creeping vines provide a little moment of zen in the midst of the hustle and bustle. It’s like a mini escape before you head off to your next adventure.

12. Tekniska Högskolan Subway Station

Located near the Royal Institute of Technology, Tekniska Högskolan is a tribute to technology, knowledge, and innovation. With its clean lines and minimalist style, this station is a modern marvel. The tiles, designed by artist Per Olof Ultvedt, reflect the institution’s spirit, offering commuters a glimpse into Stockholm’s educational heart.

13. Tensta Subway Station

The artwork in Tensta, crafted by Helga Henschen, Arne Sedell, and Lars Henschen, is a vivid celebration of multiculturalism and solidarity. The station’s platform is adorned with colourful animal sculptures, stylised leaves, and words of hope and unity. The vibrant display feels welcoming to all who pass through, a nod to Tensta’s diverse, immigrant population. The artists, deeply influenced by the multicultural fabric of Tensta, ensured the station embraced everyone, regardless of their roots. It’s not just a subway station – it’s a symbol of belonging.

14. Thorildsplan Subway Station

If you’re looking for something playful, Thorildsplan is where video game aesthetics meet the world of art. Located in a unique surface-level station, it was originally built in 1952, but the tile work that you’ll find today was added later in 2008 by artist Lars Arrhenius. Inspired by the station’s surroundings, with street crossings and stairways reminiscent of video game levels, Arrhenius filled the walls with pixelated clouds, mushroom power-ups, and projectiles. The art might seem whimsical, but it’s all about engaging commuters and creating a fun atmosphere – who knew your daily commute could feel like a retro game adventure?

So, there you have it – The Stockholm metro system, where commuting becomes a cultural adventure! Ready to create your own personal art tour? Whether you’re a fan of vivid colours, fascinating illusions, or historical storytelling, the Stockholm metro system is truly a marvel to behold. So next time you hop on the train in the city, take a moment to look around and let the art unfold before your eyes!

Also read: 10 Family Friendly Airbnbs in Stockholm, Sweden to Book in 2024