The Stockholm Metro's Spectacular Underground Art

Published January 2, 2014

Updated January 19, 2018

For the admission price of one metro ticket, tens of thousands of Stockholm’s commuters can gain access to what is likely the world’s biggest (and longest) art exhibition. Within the capital city’s cavernous 68-mile underground train hub, 90 of the 100 stations are fantastically adorned with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, engravings, and various other works by over 150 artists.

Source: Demilked

Source: Demilked

The Stockholm metro opened in 1950, and art began being featured shortly after. Even when the station was amid the messy throes of extension in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the metro halls continued to be embellished. The presumption was that most travelers were wary of being underground in a less-than cozy environment, and the decorations would act as a pleasant distraction.

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Source: Demilked

author

An All That's Interesting writer since 2013, Erin Kelly focuses on historic places, natural wonders, environmental issues, and the world of science. Her work has also been featured in Smithsonian and she's designed several book covers in her career as a graphic artist.

editor

Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.

Kelly, Erin. "The Stockholm Metro’s Spectacular Underground Art." AllThatsInteresting.com, January 2, 2014, https://allthatsinteresting.com/stockholm-metro-art. Accessed April 19, 2024.