30/07/202314 MinutesIn Entertainment, TravelBy Branzo

An article about subway stations? But what’s so special about the Stockholm metro? During my stay, I had several opportunities to use public transport, particularly the metro; after this experience, I couldn’t end my series of articles on Stockholm without telling you about it, because yes, some metro stations have their own particularities (hint: art).

With 94 stations adorned with artworks (murals, statues and other installations) and 110km in length (so much to see and visit), the Stockholm metro is considered the longest urban underground art gallery. An interesting initiative, both in terms of showcasing artists and making these works accessible to the general public. The experience isn’t just artistic, it’s also architectural, as 150 artists have collaborated with architects, engineers and others to create the various productions; in addition to the background, it’s also the shapes (walls and ceilings) of the stations, which seem to have been carved out of the rock, that appeal. This gives users the impression of moving through caves rather than corridors.

In short, this article is dedicated to highlighting 16 unique metro stations where you can stop and enjoy an art-rich underground experience!

Metro stations are listed by line and proximity. Of course, it’s up to you to make your own arrangements for getting there or stopping off along the way; but first, here’s a map to give you an overview.

carte du réseau de transport en commun de Stockholm

T-Centralen


The central station (T-Centralen) is shared by the blue, green and red lines, as well as by long-distance lines such as the Arlanda Express (mentioned in a previous article). When I arrived at the station, I came across blue and white walls adorned with floral motifs; as I continued walking, I came across another platform whose walls were this time adorned with geometric patterns.
From there, I made my way to Kungsträdgården station (blue line, n°10 & 11).

La station de métro T-centralen, Stockholm

Kungsträdgården


Blue line, metros 10 & 11

This time, the color palette for walls, floor and motifs is white, red and green, along with other minor colors. Inaugurated in 1977, artist Ulrik Samuelson’s idea was to create an underground version of the King’s Garden, more marked by the passage of time. You’ll notice a number of things as you wander around, such as the presence of numerous motifs on the ceiling that seem to form a patchwork quilt; or, in another place, the presence of relics (sculptures, plants, debris) that give the impression of being on an archaeological dig site. In short, the various symbols evoke a place steeped in history.

From this station you can of course access Kungsträdgården park, as well as a series of other places and activities mentioned in previous articles.

kungstradgarden

Rådhuset


Blue line, metros 10 & 11

Rådhuset station by artist Sigvard Olsson. Here, the dominant color is between orange and brown, with a few white lines. This station reminded me of the previous one insofar as the idea of vestiges is still present. Indeed, various objects are embedded in the walls and ceilings, reminiscent of distant human activity.

La station de métro Radhuset

Stadshagen


Blue line, metros 10, 11

The walls feature drawings of roads that look as if they’ve been drawn by hand. However, there’s more, including creations by artist Lasse Lindqvist in connection with the Stadshagen stadium, such as an illustration of players in action on the pitch. And while you’re out and about, you might also come across a creation by artist Mikael Göransson.

Östermalmstorg


Red line, metros 13, 14

Located at a station on T-Centralen, and marking the separation of lines 14 and 13 towards Mörby Centrum and Ropsten respectively; or the joining of these lines in the opposite direction.
The artist Siri Derkert, through her drawings which seem to have been made by hand, seeks to represent values, questions (peace, women’s liberation, the environment) and figures (her children and grandchildren) that are dear to her.

La

If you get off at this station, you’ll also have access to the famous Östermalm food market.

Stadion


Red line, metro no. 14

This station was one of my favorites, not least because it is, from my perception, one of the most beautiful stations I’ve ever seen in Stockholm! This is the station after Östermalmstorg when taking line 14 to Mörby centrum.
Several strong elements characterize this station: first of all, sky blue dominates the station, then the ceiling features a brightly colored rainbow accompanied by a series of strokes echoing its colors. The use of such a color palette (a nod to the Olympic Games) gives the station a luminous appearance. Then, on either side, there are a number of symbols designed by the artists Åke Pallarp and Enno Hallek, who created the station. These include the club badges of the various bandy teams that took part in the Swedish championship finals at the Olympic Stadium, a hand with an arrow on the index finger designed by Enno Hallek, and a large S and M, both designed by Åke Pallarp.

La station de métro Stadion

Tekniska Högskolan


Red line, metro no. 14

From Stadion station, you can take metro line 14 (direction Mörby Centrum) to the next stop, Tekniska Högskolan. The station, inaugurated in 1973 and designed by artist Lennart Mörk, is a nod to the Royal Institute of Technology, with many elements illustrating scientific and technological discoveries. Starting with polyhedra representing Plato’s five elements (fire, water, air, earth, universe), Polhem’s mechanical alphabet, Newton’s three laws of motion, then a large bird’s wing and sketches of Da Vince’s flying machine.

La station de métro Universitetet

Universitetet


Red line, metro no. 14

Universitetet station follows Tekniska Högskolan station. This time, artist Françoise Schein is behind the station, inviting us to follow Carl Linnaeu’s expedition through a series of illustrated tiles.

Morby centrum


Red line, metro no. 14

The end, the beginning of the metro 14 red line. I really liked this station and its variable color palette. In fact, it’s an optical illusion, as the perception of colors changes depending on where you are positioned. Gösta Wessel and Karin Ek are the artists behind this station, inaugurated in 1978.

Odenplan


Green line, metros 17, 18, 19

This time, the ceiling of the station is covered with a large number of LEDs forming a series of white lines; this configuration inspires movement, and even, as evoked by artist David Svensson, the CTG monitor used to measure fetal heartbeats.

Fridhemsplan


Green and blue lines, metros 17, 18, 19

I particularly liked what looked like splashes of paint on the walls; just as these patterns could have been interpreted as dry brushstrokes on the walls.

With elements such as a rowing boat, a tall ship and the compass rose, artist Ingegerd Möller illustrates the marine theme. As for Torsten Renqvist, the artist has placed objects collected on the beaches between 1960 and 1975 behind glass, bearing witness to man’s impact on nature.

Thorildsplan


Green line, metros 17, 18, 19

Created by artist Lars Arrhenius. The pixelated artworks are inspired by the station’s surroundings, but the 8bit aesthetic and the various items are also reminiscent of the world of video games.

La station de métro Thorildsplan

Västra skogen


Blue line, metros 10, 11

Here’s a station where you’ll find a plethora of mosaics composed of colorful tiles, as well as other installations echoing the color palette; the latter particularly stand out because the color contrasts with the more neutral tone of the walls. neutral tone of the walls.

Solna centrum


Blue line, metro no. 11

Another one of my favorite stations, because of the colors and ideas involved. First of all, red and green, the resort’s dominant colors, represent an evening sky and a spruce forest. Then, on either side, you can see various scenes dealing with themes such as environmental pollution and the rural exodus. These and other elements are the work of two artists, Åberg and Karl-Olov Björk.

La station de métro Solna Centrum

Näckrosen


Blue line, metro no. 11

The name Näckrosen, meaning “water lily”, speaks for itself; indeed, it’s what inspired artist Lizzie Olsson-Arle and is transcribed on walls and ceiling. Passing through this station is like being under a lily pond.

Hallonbergen


Blue line, metro no. 11

Last but not least. Shades of white, pink and other colors, as well as motifs (of men, fantastic creatures, various shapes and text) seem to have been conceived by children’s hands; indeed, it was in their childhood that artists Elis Eriksson and Gösta Wallmark drew their inspiration. In fact, the resort’s name Hallonbergen, meaning “Raspberry Mountains”, fits in perfectly with the resort’s childlike, fantastical universe.

La station de métro Hallonbergen

And when they’re gone, they’re still there. Here are a few bonus subway stops I’ve seen that haven’t been the subject of dedicated paragraphs:

  • Bergshamra (red line, metro no. 14),
  • Danderyds sjukhus(red line, metro no. 14),
  • Bagarmossen(green line, metro no. 17),
  • Solna Strand(blue line, metro no. 10),
  • Tensta(blue line, metro no. 10),

What’s more, of the 94 metro stations, we’ve “only” talked about 16 of them, so you’ve still got a lot to discover! To find out more, click on click here.

Would you like to take a tour of the featured metro stations? Allow around 2h to 2h30, and make sure you get there early in the morning, in the evening or during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and enjoy the show to the full.
Then, when you say station, you say ticket, so here’s a quick reminder. A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes and costs 38SEK (approx. €3.30), which isn’t enough for an extensive visit unless you scale back your ambitions and/or buy several single tickets. If you buy 2, you’ll pay 76SEK (approx. €6.46) and enjoy 150 minutes; having said that, another interesting approach is to opt for a ticket valid for one day for 165SEK (approx. €14), especially if you have other activities planned for the day!
Finally, don’t forget that you can buy, activate and track the remaining validity time of your tickets on the dedicated application (SL tickets) and available on blinds; you can also make these purchases directly at a kiosk or counter.

Singular, unexpected, welcome, artistic, architectural, accessible – that’s how I like to describe the experience offered by the Stockholm metro, or should I say Stockholm’s underground gallery. Indeed, this approach brings a new, aesthetic and symbolic perspective to a space that is generally so banal and so much a part of everyday life.

After 12 things to do and see in Stockholm, 12 must-see and unusual places to discover and 16 unique metro stations to stop at, you now have enough material to prepare for a rich and varied stay in the Venice of the North!