The Stockholm Metro or Stockholms tunnelbana is “the longest art exhibition in the world”. It opened in the 1950’s and is 105.7 kilometers long. The Metro has 100 stations, 53 above ground and 47 underground.
The concept begun to expose people to art, but later on it gave the subway system a more positive vibe. Commuters felt that it was safer and what better way to start the day than to see sights that appeal to the senses. The best part is that in a way it helped reduce crime. In the metro, you can see paintings, installations, mosaics, sculptures and inscriptions dating from the 1950’s. These wonderful masterpieces were done by hundreds of artists.
The showcased artworks at 90 of the 100 stations are remarkable because of their large scale, design and how it blends in or should I stay stick out, making the whole place unique. Multi-colored arrows show the way and there are rainbow painted walls, bright red ceilings, which seem to ‘weigh down’ on the platform like billowing flames, a spruce forest which stretches a kilometer long and ancient-looking statues carved on the walls.
For Stockholm residents, it is a normal sight they see daily, but if you are just visiting you may take guided tours which will take you to four to five stations. They are done by Metro experts at an affordable price or you may purchase a ticket at T-Centralen and take the blue line to see the Rådhuset and Fridhemsplan stations. After, take the same line back to see the Kungsträdgården station.
Images from Nenyaki and Tobias Lindman
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