Thing to do
Gamla Stan
Stockholm's medieval old town on its own island, a tangle of narrow lanes around Stortorget with the Royal Palace, the cathedral and colourful merchant houses.
Stockholm Metro Art (Tunnelbana)
More than 90 of the Stockholm metro's 100 stations are decorated with art by over 150 artists, earning the network the nickname of the world's longest art gallery.
At a glance
- Type
- Public art in metro stations
- Area
- Citywide, Stockholm, Sweden
- Official site
- sl.se
Good to know
- Included with an SL ticket
- Indoor
- Year-round
Why we recommend it
The Stockholm metro, or tunnelbana, is often described as the world's longest art gallery, and for good reason. Since the first section opened on 1 October 1950, the city has commissioned artists to decorate its stations, beginning with a programme in 1957 that started at T-Centralen. Today more than 90 of the network's 100 stations contain sculptures, mosaics, paintings, installations or reliefs, created by over 150 artists. The result is that each decorated platform has a character of its own.
The blue line stations are among the most photographed, with cave-like platforms where the artwork wraps around walls and ceilings. T-Centralen, the central interchange, is a good place to start. Kungsträdgården, designed by Ulrik Samuelson, mixes historical motifs and archaeological elements in a colourful underground garden, and Solna Centrum, created by Anders Åberg and Karl-Olov Björk in 1975, is famous for its red cave ceiling above a green forest landscape that comments on urbanisation and environmental issues. Many other stations on the red and green lines have equally interesting work.
Seeing the art costs no more than a standard SL ticket, which lets you change trains and travel between stations within its time limit. Plan a route that takes in several stations on the blue line, get off at each one, look around and catch the next train. Trains run frequently, so you will rarely wait long. Take care when taking photographs on busy platforms, keep away from the platform edge and avoid peak commuter hours if you want space to look around.
This is a good activity on a cold or rainy day, and it suits art lovers, photographers and families who enjoy a treasure hunt. Allow one to two hours to see a selection of stations at an easy pace. A little reading on the artists before you set off adds a great deal to the experience.
All you need is a valid SL ticket, which you can buy through the SL app or at ticket machines in the stations. T-Centralen is linked to Stockholm Central Station, so you can start a tour as soon as you arrive in the city.
Stockholm Metro Art (Tunnelbana) FAQs
How many metro stations have art?
More than 90 of the 100 stations are decorated, with work by over 150 artists.
Do I need a special ticket to see the art?
No. A standard SL travel ticket is enough.
Which stations should I see?
T-Centralen, Kungsträdgården and Solna Centrum are popular starting points, especially on the blue line.
When did the metro open?
The first section opened on 1 October 1950, between Slussen and Hökarängen.
How long does a metro art tour take?
Allow one to two hours to see a selection of stations.
Is it a good rainy-day activity?
Yes. The art is underground and can be seen year-round in any weather.
When should I avoid going?
Avoid weekday rush hours if you want space to look around and take photos.
Who designed Kungsträdgården station?
The artist Ulrik Samuelson.