ANISH KAPOOR'S NAPLES SUBWAY STATION OPENS TODAY

Summary

• Sant'Angelo subway station designed by Anish Kapoor opens today in Naples after 20 years in development
• Two contrasting entrances feature weathering steel and aluminum materials reflecting local volcanic geology
• The station transforms abandoned tunnels into functional transit infrastructure merged with public art

Underground Art Station Opens in Naples

Sant'Angelo subway station opened today in Naples, marking the completion of artist Anish Kapoor's two-decade project. The station forms part of Naples' Line 6 metro system and serves the Traiano district.

Anish Kapoor received the commission in 2003 as part of urban renewal efforts in the area. AL_A studio, led by Amanda Levete, developed the architectural plans from Kapoor's artistic concept. The project previously worked with Future Systems before transitioning to AL_A.

The station features two distinct entrance designs. The university plaza entrance uses weathering steel panels that form organic, swelling surfaces. These panels create texture resembling pebbles and funnel downward into the earth. Passengers descend through this entrance as if moving through geological layers.

The second entrance at Traiano presents a different approach. This entrance uses brushed aluminum formed into a sunken tube. The aluminum surface reflects the surrounding low-rise buildings. The contrast between the two entrances demonstrates different material responses to their respective contexts.

Both entrances draw inspiration from Naples' volcanic landscape. The city sits near Mount Vesuvius and contains extensive underground cavities from historical volcanic activity. Kapoor referenced this geology alongside literary sources, particularly Dante's Inferno, to create entrances that feel like passages between worlds.

Inside the station, Kapoor preserved existing abandoned tunnels rather than creating entirely new spaces. The concrete walls remain exposed and unfinished. This approach maintains the raw character of the underground environment while converting unused infrastructure into functional transit space.

The project represents Naples' broader effort to integrate art into public transportation. Other metro stations in the city feature works by international artists and architects. These stations serve practical transportation needs while functioning as cultural destinations.

Sant'Angelo station connects residents of the Traiano district to central Naples. The area underwent significant urban development in recent decades, transitioning from industrial use to residential and educational functions. The new station supports this transformation by providing direct transit access.

Construction faced delays over the project's long development period. The station's opening comes as Naples continues expanding its metro network to serve growing ridership demands. Line 6 extends public transportation coverage to previously underserved neighborhoods.

The station design addresses both functional and aesthetic requirements. Platform areas accommodate standard metro operations while entrance spaces create distinctive architectural experiences. This dual approach reflects contemporary trends in infrastructure design that prioritize user experience alongside utility.

Kapoor's previous works include large-scale public sculptures and installations worldwide. The Naples station represents his first permanent transportation infrastructure project. The work demonstrates how contemporary art intersects with urban planning and public services.