Art in Stockholm's prettiest metro stations

Stockholm is the city of design and architecture! Art holds a prominent place in Swedish culture. So much so, in fact, that it has become a legal requirement. Every architectural project must incorporate an artistic component, contribute to its development, and allocate a portion of its budget to it. As a result, art is everywhere in the city, even in the most unexpected places. For example, all 90 of the city's metro stations have been decorated since the 1950s. Each has its own theme and atmosphere. Here is a selection of the most surprising metro stations in Stockholm.

Rådhuset metro station

The Rådhuset station on the island of Kungsholmen was carved into the rock, like many of Stockholm's metro stations. But unlike the others, it has retained its raw, unrefined appearance. Visitors have the sensation of penetrating the earth's core, feeling like paleontologists. The cobblestone pillars seem to push against the station's ochre ceiling, as if a prehistoric cave had suddenly emerged onto the city's surface. This creates an atmosphere that is both stark and inviting.

Solna Centrum Metro Station

The Solna Centrum station is a critique of the industrial age. The artists painted a forest, inexorably destroyed by human exploitation, the construction of factories, and environmental pollution. The violence of the devastation is symbolized by the blood-red background, against which a large mural is depicted. Despite this, a few touches of humor temper this potentially frightening work on such a dramatic subject.

Kungsträdgården metro station

The Kungsträdgården station in Norrmalm boasts a baroque decor reminiscent of the animated film "Alice in Wonderland." The decoration is so rich that it can appear overwhelming. The overall effect is particularly disorienting. However, every detail has been carefully considered to symbolize a garden. The artist aimed to depict colorful flowerbeds crisscrossed by white gravel paths. These are punctuated by statues and columns. The geometric compositions contrast sharply with the shimmering colors. This decor, evoking a royal garden, pays homage to the historical past of the district, which was home to Malakös Palace. Elements of the palace have even been cleverly incorporated to create the impression of visiting an archaeological dig.

Stadion metro station

The Stadion station in Östermalm serves Stockholm's Olympic Stadium. Artists drew inspiration from the Olympic Games to create a vibrant and colorful decoration. A gigantic rainbow, set against a blue sky, has been painted on the concrete ceiling, applied directly to the stone. Located on a relatively low surface, it's almost overwhelming! Nevertheless, it's a striking and surprising work of art. Some rocky sections are still visible through the grating that covers them. This station has a childlike and joyful charm.

Thorildsplan subway station

Thorildsplan station has a video game theme. Fans of early consoles will find all the references to their childhood: Pac-Man, Mario Bros., and Donkey Kong. Unlike stations carved into the rock, this one is tiled. It therefore has a more contemporary and modern look than previous stations.

T-Centralen metro station

Stockholm's central metro station. Its blue line decoration dates from 1975 and was created by the artist Per Olof Ultvedt. The station's background was left in its raw state, painted grey, and covered with blue graffiti depicting geometric shapes or workers' drawings.

Here's a truly unusual part of Stockholm's heritage. This selection is by no means exhaustive, and we hope you enjoy many discoveries and surprises on the Stockholm metro.

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