Stockholm Metro’s Spectacular Underground Art

 For the admission price of one metro ticket, tens of thousands of Stockholm’s commuters can gain access to what is likely the world’s biggest (and longest) art exhibition. Within the capital city’s cavernous 68-mile underground train hub, 90 of the 100 stations are fantastically adorned with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, engravings, and various other works by over 150 artists.

The Stockholm metro opened in 1950, and art began being featured shortly after. Even when the station was amid the messy throes of extension in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the metro halls continued to be embellished. The presumption was that most travelers were wary of being underground in a less-than cozy environment, and the decorations would act as a pleasant distraction.