14 Art Stations of the Naples Metro

  • Abstract:

    The Art Stations of Naples Metro are a functional art-project ideated by Achille Bonito Oliva that includes some stops of Naples Metro: in this particular stopping and transit places, special attention was paid to making the environment beautiful, comfortable and functional. The Art Stations originated from a project formulated by the city government with a view to make the urban area’s public transport centers more attractive and to give everyone a chance to get an up-close look at prime examples of contemporary art: here, art works are not considered as furniture, but strictly enclosed in the architecture. The secondary purpose of this project is to redevelop large areas of the suburbian tissue (such as Piscinola, Scampia or Chiaiano) and act as a driving force for the construction of new buildings that assume the role of focal points of the city of Naples (such as the Hospital of the Sea or the Citadel of the Book). The project makes art integral to the cityscape, and more importantly, accessible to the everyday commuter: in this way, the art works are perceived as pride of the city by all the citizens. On November 30, 2012, the Toledo station was elected as the most beautiful of Europe by the Daily Telegraph; while the Materdei station resulted at 13th place. On February 4, 2014 CNN confirmed Station Toledo as the most beautiful in Europe. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how Naples, with this interesting artistic project, shows itself as a new model of Mediterranean culture that looks to the future.