Stockholm Metro Art: Self-Guided Tour of 11 Must-See Stations
The Stockholm Metro is not just a means of transport, but a true underground art gallery. Each station has its own unique look: from vibrant murals and sculptures to atmospheric cave-like interiors. It is no wonder it is called the longest art gallery in the world. Traveling between stations, you can experience history, nature, contemporary art, and even political messages hidden in the design.
- More than 90 of Stockholm's 100 metro stations are decorated by over 150 artists, so a regular metro ticket is all you need for the art.
- Buy tickets in the SL Journey Planner and Tickets app: single, 24-hour, 72-hour or 7-day; time-based tickets start counting from first use.
- T-Centralen is our favorite: blue-and-white vines on the blue line and silhouettes of the workers who built the metro.
- Don't miss Solna Centrum's red-and-black escalator, Stadion's Olympic rainbows and Thorildsplan's video-game pixel art.
- One line can split into branches, so check the platform display for the final station of the next train.
Stockholm metro art at a glance: 11 stations
The eleven stations from this guide in one table. A regular metro ticket covers all of them.
| Station | What you’ll see |
|---|---|
| 1. T-Centralen | Blue-and-white vines on the blue line, silhouettes of the metro builders; our favorite |
| 2. Solna Centrum | The red-and-black “Gates of Hell” escalator, trees and animals |
| 3. Thorildsplan | Pixel art inspired by Mario and Pac-Man |
| 4. Stadion | Sky blue and rainbows for the 1912 Olympics |
| 5. Odenplan | The “Life Line” light installation by David Svensson (City Line, not metro) |
| 6. Rådhuset | A red-orange cave with tall concrete columns |
| 7. Akalla | An olive-yellow cave with 1977 ceramic panels by Birgit Ståhl-Nyberg |
| 8. Tekniska Högskolan | Science-themed sculptures and ceiling works by Lennart Mörk |
| 9. Tensta | Walls covered in bunnies, birds and other little animals |
| 10. Kungsträdgården | Green-and-red patterns by Ulrik Samuelson and remains of the Makalös Palace |
| 11. Mörby Centrum | Walls that change shade as you move along the platform |
How to buy a Stockholm metro ticket for the art tour
More than 90 out of 100 Stockholm metro stations are decorated with works by over 150 artists. From bright murals to sculptures in cave-like interiors - the metro has become the world’s longest art gallery. All you need to explore this art is a metro ticket.
How to buy a ticket?
Mobile app: SL Journey Planner and Tickets
🎫 Types of tickets:
- Single ticket
- 24 hours
- 72 hours
- 7 days
SL Journey Planner and Tickets - App Store
SL Journey Planner and Tickets - Google Play
Personal experience: We bought 72-hour tickets since we were staying for 3 days, and it was very convenient for getting around the city by metro and bus.
The ticket becomes valid from the moment of first use, and its validity period is counted from that time.11 must-see Stockholm metro art stations
1. T-Centralen
The main and busiest metro station in Stockholm. The station connects all three metro lines and is located next to the Central Station.
On the blue line platforms, you will see a series of blue-and-white frescoes. On the upper level, there are silhouettes of workers - welders, carpenters, steelworkers, engineers, miners - in honor of the builders of the metro. Below, where the trains run, you’ll see the motif of a grapevine seemingly growing across the walls and ceiling of the tunnel. My absolute favorite metro station!
2. Solna Centrum
You’ve probably already seen photos of this station. One of the escalators leading to the trains at Solna Centrum has earned the nickname “Gates of Hell” because of the bright red-and-black shades on the surface, which resemble natural rock. The rest of the station looks a bit less intimidating: green trees, various animals, and natural landscapes.
3. Thorildsplan
Thorildsplan is a unique metro station in Stockholm, known for its bright pixel art inspired by classic video games such as Mario and Pac-Man. The design style creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and playfulness, making the station not just a transport hub but a true art space for everyone who loves colorful and creative interiors.
4. Stadion Station
It’s hard to arrive at this station and remain indifferent. The main color here is sky blue, and rainbows are spread everywhere, including one huge rainbow stretching through the tunnel between platforms. Artists Enno Hallek and Åke Pallarp designed the station in honor of the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, with the rainbows symbolizing the Olympic rings.
5. Odenplan
This station is called “Odenplan” and is located on Stockholm’s City Line, which opened in 2017. Technically, it is not part of the Stockholm metro, but it’s within walking distance from the metro station of the same name. The station was designed by artist David Svensson, and his light installation was named “Life Line.”
6. Rådhuset
The “Rådhuset” station in Stockholm (the name translates as “Town Hall”) resembles a cave: the walls are painted in red-orange tones, and the tall concrete columns create the impression of courthouse architecture. Although it somewhat resembles Solna Centrum, its color palette is completely different.
7. Akalla
As part of the “Art in the Stockholm Metro” project, the station is designed as an olive-yellow cave. It features ceramic panels created by Birgit Ståhl-Nyberg in 1977, depicting everyday life, leisure, and people at work. The station’s design is executed in a Soviet-style spirit, in my opinion, so I’m not sure everyone will appreciate it.
8. Tekniska Högskolan
At “Tekniska Högskolan” station, you can see several sculptures and impressive ceiling works by Lennart Mörk, which create the atmosphere of modern art right underground. The design of the station is inspired by science and technology, with each element reflecting an innovative and creative approach.
9. Tensta
The Tensta station seems to me the cutest and kindest. Its walls are decorated with many little animals - bunnies, birds, and other charming creatures, creating a sense of warmth and joy. Every corner of the station is filled with friendliness, and walking past these drawings always lifts the mood.
10. Kungsträdgården
The “Royal Garden” station is decorated in green and red with checkered patterns designed by Ulrik Samuelson. In addition to the colorful décor, near the exit to Arsenalsgatan you can find a small archaeological museum with Roman columns and stone sculptures. These artifacts are the remains of the Makalös Palace, which once stood on the site of the modern station.
11. Mörby Centrum
At first glance, Mörby Centrum station looks modest: light, almost muted colors and colored tiles in the rocky base. However, as art guide Marie Andersson explains, this is an optical illusion: the walls change shades depending on where you stand on the platform - from white with a pinkish tint to white with a gray-green hue.
Important: On a single Stockholm metro line, there can be several branches, meaning trains on the same line may go to different final stations. To know which train you need, check the display on the platform - it shows the final station of the next train.Stockholm metro art map
Stations are marked on the metro map for easier navigation.
Stockholm makes a perfect city break - and if you’re collecting compact European capitals, Dublin is a great next stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Stockholm metro stations have the best art?
Our top picks are T-Centralen, Solna Centrum, Stadion, Thorildsplan, Rådhuset and Kungsträdgården. T-Centralen, with its blue-and-white vines, is our favorite.
Do you need a special ticket to see the Stockholm metro art?
No, a regular metro ticket is enough. We bought 72-hour tickets in the SL Journey Planner and Tickets app for a 3-day stay, and they covered the metro and buses.
What tickets are there for the Stockholm metro?
Single, 24-hour, 72-hour and 7-day tickets, sold in the SL Journey Planner and Tickets app. Time-based tickets start counting from the moment you first use them.
Is Odenplan a metro station?
The Odenplan station with David Svensson's "Life Line" light installation is on the City Line, opened in 2017, not the metro. It's within walking distance of the Odenplan metro station.
Where is the "Gates of Hell" escalator in Stockholm?
At Solna Centrum. One of the escalators down to the trains is painted bright red and black to look like natural rock.
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