The Blue Heart. 💙
The Blue Line platform at T-Centralen is the most iconic. The rough bedrock is painted white with massive blue vines and silhouettes of workers.
The Theme
It was painted in 1975 by Per Olof Ultvedt to honor the construction workers. The blue color was chosen to induce calm in the busy hub.
Photo Tip
Go to the very end of the platform where the blue arches converge. Wait for a train to leave so the platform is empty for that perfect symmetrical shot.
The Fiery Sky. 🔥
Solna Centrum is intense. The ceiling is a deep, blood red, representing a setting sun, while the walls are a spruce green forest.
Environmentalism
The art (1975) depicts the rural depopulation of Sweden and the destruction of nature. Look for the tiny details: a moose, a sawmill, a clear-cut forest.
The Escalator
Riding the escalator down feels like descending into a volcano or the gates of hell. It is one of the most dramatic entrances in the system.
The Moose
Find the moose king painted in a glass case. It represents the majestic nature that is being threatened by the expanding city.
Atomic Spiders
Unique Ecosystem
The Ruins. 🏛️
This station looks like an archaeological dig. It features actual relics from the old Makalös Palace that burned down on this site in 1825.
The Cave Spiders:
Because it is the deepest station, it has its own climate. A rare species of cave spider (*Lessertia dentichelis*) and a moss previously thought extinct live on the walls here.
The Rainbow. 🌈
One of the first cave stations (1973). To help people get over the fear of the "underworld," artists painted the ceiling a bright sky blue with a massive rainbow.
The Message
It represents the sky above (the Olympic Stadium is directly overhead). It is a symbol of inclusivity and hope in the darkness of the tunnel.
One Ticket
You don't need a museum pass. A single metro ticket (valid for 75 minutes) is enough to see all these stations. It is the cheapest art tour in Europe.