The artworks of Naples’ Metro Stations

Naples’ art stations represent a fascinating combination of the city’s cultural heritage and contemporary art. These artworks transform simple railway stations into veritable open-air museums.

Owned by the City of Naples and managed by ANM, they were inaugurated starting in 2001 and represent one of the most significant interventions-at the international level-of architecture and public art in the last twenty years. An initiative that was created with the aim of enriching the experience of travelers, offering them the chance to immerse themselves in art as they move from one point of the city to another. Thus each station becomes a work of art in itself, with murals, sculptures and installations that tell different stories and represent the multifaceted soul of Naples. In fact, the project has hosted more than 250 contemporary art installations, shaping up as an extraordinary example of a museum distributed throughout the urban area.

Internationally renowned artists

The design of the underground stations and related surface interventions was entrusted to internationally renowned architects and designers, including: Álvaro Siza, Eduardo Souto de Moura, Dominique Perrault, Oscar Tusquets, Karim Rashid, Gae Aulenti, and Alessandro Mendini. Thus artists – local and international – have helped transform the stations into areas rich in creativity. Each station, in fact, features

Toledo Station

Of all of them, the most photographed station is Toledo Station, renowned for its shades of blue. Descending the stairs of the Toledo stop, in fact, one is immersed in an explosion of contemporary art. The station’s prevailing theme is the sea. Kentridge’s mosaics tell stories of Neapolitan life with a surreal twist, while Wilson’s sculptures evoke sea creatures emerging from the depths. Toscani’s photographs capture faces and gestures of the people of Naples, offering an intimate and realistic portrait of the city. Toledo was designed with a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality. Large spaces and light effects create a striking and dynamic atmosphere that enhances the artworks and makes the station experience enjoyable and engaging.

Dante Station

Naples’ Dante Station, located in the heart of the city – and thus near Napoli Sotteranea-  is an art gallery that celebrates the city’s cultural and artistic heritage. Its corridors are adorned with a series of artworks that tell stories rich in meaning and beauty. One of the most iconic works is surely Mimmo Paladino’s “Vesuvius” mosaic, which greets visitors with its majesty and symbolism. This work not only represents the volcano that towers over Naples, but also evokes the history and mythology associated with this unique place. The walls of the station are enhanced by other works, such as Alessandro Mendini’s ceramics, whose bright colors and bold shapes add a contemporary touch to the station, creating a fascinating contrast with the more traditional works. Every corner of the Duomo station offers a unique visual experience, with paintings, sculptures and installations that reflect the cultural richness of Naples and the talents of its artists.