Light Beneath the City

Approximately 34 meters (111.5 ft) beneath the streets of Stockholm lies one of the city’s most iconic artworks: the Kungsträdgården metro station. The art of Ulrik Samuelsson transforms the underground space into a striking blend of archaeology, mythology, and theatrical design. Since its opening in 1977, the station has been described as one of the most spectacular in the Stockholm metro system, thanks to Samuelsson’s vision.

The station is designed to resemble an underground archaeological excavation. Inspired by the history of Kungsträdgården (“The King’s Garden”), once the site of a royal palace and Baroque gardens, Samuelsson incorporated fragments of architecture, sculptures, and classical motifs into the rocky cavern walls. Broken columns, stone reliefs, and historical artifacts—many of them replicas or salvaged remains—appear as though they have been unearthed in situ.

Today, Kungsträdgården serves not only as a transit hub but also as a celebrated part of the Stockholm metro’s renowned art program, often described as “the world’s longest art gallery.” Samuelsson’s work invites passengers to reflect on history, memory, and the passage of time while moving through the modern city.

After almost 50 years, it became time to replace the fluorescent tubes that had long illuminated Samuelsson’s work. The new lighting system aimed to showcase Samuelsson’s work in its best light, revealing the intricate textures and crevices while also supporting the station’s living plants.

The installation features Color Kinetics Graze MX Powercore gen2, eW luminaires. The grazing luminaires are mounted against the wall where the walking path was built. They are positioned 50 and 100cm (19.7 and 39.4 in) above the “cave” ground. The system is powered by Data Enabler Pro gen3.

Color Kinetics luminaires were chosen for their reliability, energy efficiency, and precise grazing capabilities, allowing designers to illuminate the artwork without overpowering the environment. Their durability, simplified power management, and compatibility with controls made them ideal for an underground space requiring visual finesse and long-term sustainability.

Intelligent controls allow the light levels to be adjusted throughout the day, creating dynamic light levels that both highlight the station’s dramatic artistry and provide an optimal environment for the plants to thrive. The result is a sustainable upgrade that enhances the station’s atmosphere while respecting the artistic and ecological balance envisioned for the space.