Stockholm's Metro System - An Underground Art Gallery

When I was planning my visit to Sweden’s capital I freely admit that I had no idea about its incredible hidden depths – literally. And that, I suppose, is what I love most about travel. The constant surprises. And let me just tell you, there was nothing more surprising to me than finding one of the world’s longest art galleries in Stockholm’s Metro System.

Whilst you will definitely find that Stockholm’s Metro System is substantially smaller than the underground networks you’d find in London or New York (100 stations and three main lines); at least 90% of the stations here contain some form of art work. And with a single ticket allowing you to travel on SL services for 75 minutes – I set off to photograph the most beautiful stations.

Kungsträdgården Station

Kungsträdgården Station can be found at the end of the blue line and understandably, it’s one of Stockholm’s most photographed metro stations. The colour scheme – red, white and green – is in tribute to the old French formal garden of the Makalös Palace which was found above in Kungsträdgården park. The statues found in this station are actually replicas of the Palace’s exterior art.

T-Centralen

T-Centralen is potentially Stockholm’s busiest Metro Station and it was actually the first station to feature art work. It is located on the blue line and to find it’s impressive blue and white cave-like walls you have to head down quite a few floors. Head for the escalators and follow signs for the blue line or if you’re really unsure just ask, there are plenty of people to point you in the right direction. You’ll know you’re then when it begins to feel like you’ve entered a white cave.

The white walls adorned with artist Per Olof Ultvedt’s beautiful blue leaves are worth taking those few extra minutes of descending, trust me. And it the theme isn’t blue just because T- Centralen is on the blue line. The artist felt that the colour invoked feelings of calm which would be beneficial to those travelling on a busy underground.

Tensta

Tensta was easily one of my favourite stations and the one I got most lost trying to find. To get to Tensta you’ll need to hop on to the Blue Line at T-Centralen and the journey takes around 20 minutes.

The art work in this station was painted by a brother and sister team and apparently took over a year to complete. As the Tensta suburb seemed to be the area most inhabited by migrants to Sweden; the artists wanted the message to be welcoming. The walls are covered in messages of acceptance and love – along with animals and nature. Definitely, definitely one to see.

Stadion

In my opinion I am saving the most beautiful station until last……. Stadion is on the red line and just a few short stops away from T-Centralen. The magnificent rainbow archway, painted by Åke Pallarp and Enno Hallek is situated between the two platforms. The idea behind the rainbow was to bring the image of the sky to the underground system – isn’t that just beautiful? And perhaps it’s no coincidence that every year Östermalms IP serves as the main festival area for the Stockholm Pride festival. Stadion station is the nearest subway station to this festival of love and colour 🌈

So whatever you may have on your Stockholm agenda, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the very unique sights of Stockholm’s Metro System.