Imaginative, creative, and dynamic aren’t words usually associated with the stagnant-florescent-lit environments of most subway stations—or any mass transit center really. Stockholm is determined to change that. In collaboration with 150 artists, the Swedish Capitol transformed 90 of its 100 subway stations into an evolving art experience. Stretching over 68.3 miles (110 kilometers), it’s easily the largest art exhibit in the world.
Since 1957, art installations of all kinds and styles including paintings, sculptures, and films have disguised the underground tunnel system playing an integral role in the city’s commuting culture. Art installations also cover the bus and train stations above ground but getting showcased isn’t as easy since artists will need to meet a few city requirements. The art needs to be, “washable, durable, weather proof, and sometimes even have a functional role.”
So aside from making a commuter’s day brighter, the art acts as a way for people to distinguish locations and prevents crimes in the subway areas. Now I know why the best new bands come from Sweden—they’re constantly immersed in creativity.
Check out more photos below:
For some added awesomeness, below are a few other art-infused transit centers from around the world that are too cool not to share.
Nick Frank photographs Munich’s futuristic commuting hubs.
Oscar Tusquet Blanca’s design for the Toledo subway station Naples.
Moscow’s Komsomolskaya metro station covered in Baroque-style ornaments and chandeliers.
Munich’s modern subway platforms captured by Nick Frank.
– Juan Frausto
(Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images, Nick Frank)
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