One of my ideas for 2026 is to visit more stations of the Stockholm Metro. They brand themselves as the longest art exhibition in the world and rightfully so. According to a 2016 book I picked up at my local library, more than 90 out of 100 stations feature art installations and some are truly spectacular experiences to visit.
My local station, Alby, has deep green cave walls with bright red, yellow and orange cave men. Built deep inside Alby Mountain, a ridge that divides Alby from the freeway and the other suburbs to the north, entering the station is like visiting another world. The artwork helps make each station unique and gives identity to what is otherwise a monotone commute.
The book inspired me to explore the art further so when I next visited Stockholm city, I spent some more time taking in the art and just being there.
T-centralen is by far the largest and most busy station. This is where long distance trains connect with commuter trains and all three metro lines. Plus the express train to the airport. Usually stations are something you rush through, your mind busy with other things. It was a nice feeling to be in a relaxed and curious mindset within the crowd of travellers. Feeling the pulse of the city and noticing details that I had previous overlooked in spite of passing through many times before.
I also stopped at Hornstull, a few stops south on the red line. The artist was inspired by the cave paintings discovered in Altamira in 1879.
From idea to identity
I learned from the book that the idea of each station having its own distinct artwork was by no means a given.
At first only some stations were to be decorated. But by now art is an integral part of the Stockholm Metro and almost all stations have art installations in one form or another. Existing artwork is maintained and renewed. New artwork is commissioned as more stations are added to the transportation network. Just today, the local news published a preview of the artwork they chosen for one of the new stations they are building right now.
It is one of the little daily treasures to enjoy. A treasure that invites you to explore and wonder, a treasure that makes your days brighter and your life richer.
Some of my favourites that I want to re-visit and explore for the blog are Thorildsplan and Kungsträdgården. Thorildsplan has 1980s retro video game art. Kungsträdgården is like visiting an ancient underground temple. Other stations on my list of stations to explore are Stadion, Solna Centrum and Rådhuset (City hall). Which are your favourites?
This is the book I read: En guide till konsten i tunnelbanan : och i den övriga SL-trafiken. Marie Andersson, 2016.