Stadion station art Stockholm
Explore Stockholm's metro, a sprawling underground art museum with over 90 decorated stations, transforming commutes into cultural journeys.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Experience art with fewer crowds.
Stadion station art Stockholm
Best Time
Experience art with fewer crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Stockholm's metro, a sprawling underground art museum with over 90 decorated stations, transforming commutes into cultural journeys.
"This place gives the impression of Plato's Rave - a sensory explosion of color and pattern."
🎨 Ride the Art Metro
Explore over 90 stations adorned with art, making the subway a unique gallery!
🎟️ Get an SL Access Card
A single ticket or day pass unlocks this underground art museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stadion Station's Rainbow Sky
Stadion Station
A vibrant rainbow arches across the station's ceiling, creating an uplifting, almost surreal atmosphere.

Solna Centrum's Dramatic Red Forest
Solna Centrum Station
A striking red cave-like station with a dramatic forest mural, evoking a sense of wonder and awe.

T-Centralen's Blue Serenity
T-Centralen Station
The main hub features calming blue motifs and intricate patterns, offering a peaceful transition between lines.

Rådhuset's Cave-like Architecture
Rådhuset Station
Impressive rock-hewn architecture creates a cavernous feel, with unique sculptures and artistic touches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Underground Art Gallery
Navigating the Metro Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Ride the Art Metro
Explore over 90 stations adorned with art, making the subway a unique gallery!
🎟️ Get an SL Access Card
A single ticket or day pass unlocks this underground art museum.
📸 Capture the Colors
Stadion Station's rainbow is a photographer's dream!
🗺️ Plan Your Art Route
Focus on key stations like Stadion, Solna Centrum, and T-Centralen for a curated experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Ride the Art Metro
Explore over 90 stations adorned with art, making the subway a unique gallery!
🎟️ Get an SL Access Card
A single ticket or day pass unlocks this underground art museum.
📸 Capture the Colors
Stadion Station's rainbow is a photographer's dream!
🗺️ Plan Your Art Route
Focus on key stations like Stadion, Solna Centrum, and T-Centralen for a curated experience.
🚶♀️ Hop On & Off
Don't be afraid to exit and re-enter stations to explore the art up close.
💡 Free Guided Tours
Check SL's schedule for free art tours in English and Swedish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Stockholm's metro art, calling it a 'world's longest art gallery' and a 'hallucinogenic detour.' The vibrant colors and unique designs at stations like Stadion and Solna Centrum are frequently praised. Some note that the themes can be sport-centric, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and visually stunning.
"The rainbow was painted by artists Åke Pallarp and Enno Hallek, who aimed to celebrate the nearby Olympic Stadium and counter negative associations with subterranean spaces."
Radu Niculae
"Instead of Plato's Cave, this place gives the impression of Plato's Rave. Very colorful and almost like an injection of acid straight into the optical nerve—with all that entails. The moment you step off the train, you're greeted not by shadows on the wall, but by a full-blown sensory explosion: bold colors, jagged patterns, and lighting that makes you feel like you've wandered into an underground nightclub curated by a philosophically inclined DJ.
This subway station is quite a trip, a hallucinogenic detour beneath the city that momentarily lifts you out of the mundane. Sadly, though, most of the themes on the surface lean heavily into the world of sport rather than venturing into the more thought-provoking territories of art, history, or science. That is a pity..."
Mikael Höök
"Great bit of art on the metro"
Oliver Hyde Pinto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access all the art stations using Stockholm's public transportation system, the Tunnelbana (metro). Purchase an SL access card or use their app for tickets. Many stations are centrally located and easily reachable from major hubs like T-Centralen.
Yes, the Stockholm metro is generally well-organized. Using the SL app or a physical map will help you identify the art stations and plan your route efficiently.
While possible, using ride-sharing or taxis to visit individual metro art stations is not recommended as it would be significantly more expensive and less efficient than using the metro itself. The metro is the intended way to experience this art.
The blue, green, and red lines are known for featuring a high concentration of art. Many of the most famous stations, like Stadion and Solna Centrum, are on these lines.
To see a good selection of stations, dedicate at least half a day. If you want to explore extensively, a full day is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, a standard SL public transport ticket or travel card is all you need to access all the art stations. Your ticket allows you to travel freely on the metro.
The cost is equivalent to a standard public transport fare. You can buy single tickets, or consider a 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day pass for unlimited travel if you plan to visit many stations.
While entry to the stations requires a ticket, SL offers free guided tours of the art in the Metro and at some commuter rail stations on select days. You just need a valid SL ticket to join.
Yes, your SL ticket typically allows you to exit and re-enter stations within a certain timeframe, enabling you to get closer to the artwork and take photos.
The metro art stations are accessible during the regular operating hours of the Stockholm metro system, which generally runs from early morning to late night. Specific hours can vary by line and day.
📸 📸 Photography
Stadion Station with its rainbow, Solna Centrum's dramatic red forest, T-Centralen's blue patterns, and Rådhuset's cave-like structure are highly recommended for photography.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, avoid using flash in a way that might disturb other passengers, and be mindful of any specific signage.
Weekday mornings or evenings can be less crowded, allowing for clearer shots. Midday on weekdays offers a good balance. Weekends can be busier.
A smartphone with a good camera is often sufficient. For wider shots of the stations, a wide-angle lens can be helpful. Tripods are generally not allowed due to space constraints.
Look for vantage points that capture the full scope of the artwork, such as from the platform or escalators. Stadion's rainbow is best viewed from the platform.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Stockholm's metro system is often called the 'world's longest art gallery,' with over 150 artists contributing to the decoration of more than 90 of its 110 stations since the 1950s.
Popular choices include Stadion, Solna Centrum, T-Centralen, Rådhuset, Kungsträdgården, and Odenplan. Each offers a unique artistic experience.
While it's possible to see many, visiting all 90+ art stations in one day would be very rushed. It's better to select a few key stations or focus on a specific line.
The art is incredibly diverse, ranging from colorful mosaics and sculptures to elaborate murals and cave-like architectural designs, often reflecting themes of nature, history, and social commentary.
Accessibility varies by station. Many stations have elevators and escalators, but some older or more uniquely designed stations might have limited accessibility. It's advisable to check specific station information if needed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a day pass for easy travel between stations. Pack snacks and drinks, as options within stations are limited. The novelty of riding the subway and discovering art can make even short commutes exciting for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on a few key, easily accessible stations rather than trying to see them all. Stations like T-Centralen, Stadion, and Solna Centrum are well-connected and offer significant artistic impact. Utilize free guided tours offered by SL to gain insights without extra cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles from the platforms and escalators. Be patient to capture shots without too many people. While tripods are generally not permitted, a smartphone with a good camera and a steady hand can produce stunning results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Vision Behind Stockholm's Metro Art
The art aims to counter the perception of underground spaces as dark and dreary. For instance, Stadion Station features a vibrant rainbow and blue sky to remind people of the world above, while other stations use bold colors and intricate designs to create stimulating environments. This artistic endeavor has become a significant part of Stockholm's identity and a major draw for tourists.
Many stations were designed with the art integrated into the architecture itself, rather than being added as an afterthought. This holistic approach ensures that the art and the station function as a cohesive whole, enhancing the overall aesthetic and experience for commuters and visitors alike.
Must-Visit Stations for an Unforgettable Art Tour
Solna Centrum Station offers a dramatic visual experience with its cavernous red-hued walls adorned with a sprawling forest mural, evoking a sense of entering another world. T-Centralen, the city's main hub, features calming blue patterns and intricate designs, serving as a serene gateway. Rådhuset Station impresses with its raw, cave-like architecture and unique sculptures, making you feel like you've stepped into an underground grotto.
Other notable stations include Kungsträdgården with its historical motifs and fountains, and Odenplan, which features a celestial-themed ceiling. Exploring these stations provides a diverse glimpse into the breadth and creativity of Stockholm's public art.
Practical Tips for Your Metro Art Adventure
When visiting, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak commuting hours. Weekday mornings and evenings can be busy. If you prefer a more relaxed experience for photography and exploration, aim for midday on weekdays or explore during less busy weekend hours. Remember that these are active transit stations, so be mindful of other passengers and avoid blocking pathways.
Don't hesitate to hop on and off trains to fully appreciate the art. Some stations are best viewed from different angles or platforms. Consider joining a free guided art tour offered by SL if you want to learn more about the history and symbolism behind the artworks.
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