After more than two decades of planning and construction, renowned British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor's highly anticipated underground metro station entrances in Naples, Italy, officially opened on September 11. The Monte Sant'Angelo Subway Station features two distinctive sculptural entrances designed by Kapoor in collaboration with London-based architectural studio AL_A, led by Amanda Levete. The project represents a unique fusion of public art and urban infrastructure in Naples' Traiano district.
The first entrance showcases Kapoor's signature aesthetic through curved panels of weathering steel that create a textured, pebble-like structure appearing to emerge organically from the earth. This sculptural entrance, installed in 2022, features an inverted funnel design that visually guides commuters from street level down into the underground transit system. The weathered steel surface gives the structure a dynamic, ever-changing appearance as it responds to environmental conditions over time.
In striking contrast, the second entrance presents a completely different artistic vision through a smooth, tubular aluminum form that appears sunken into the ground. Installed in 2017, this sleek entrance evokes the concept of a void or opening in the earth's surface, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The minimalist aluminum design complements the low-rise architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood while maintaining Kapoor's distinctive sculptural language.
The project's origins trace back to 2003 when Kapoor was initially invited to contribute to the urban regeneration efforts in Naples' Traiano district. Construction work at the site began in 2009, marking the start of a complex engineering and artistic endeavor. Originally, Kapoor collaborated with Future Systems, the architectural studio founded by Jan Kaplický and Amanda Levete. When the project leadership transitioned, Levete's newly established firm AL_A took over the architectural responsibilities, ensuring continuity in the design vision.
Both entrance structures connect to a network of previously abandoned underground tunnels that have been repurposed for the metro system. According to Kapoor, the design philosophy draws heavily from the unique geological characteristics of Naples and its dramatic landscape. "In the city of Mount Vesuvius and Dante's mythical entrance to the Inferno, I found it important to try and deal with what it really means to go underground," the artist explained, referencing both the region's volcanic history and its cultural significance in literature.
In a revealing 2003 interview with Dezeen founder Marcus Fairs published in The Guardian, Kapoor articulated his unconventional approach to the project. "These are not buildings," Kapoor emphasized at the time. "They are toying with form at architectural scale but they are not buildings. I loathe making anything practical whatsoever. The funny thing about art is that it's useless. It doesn't do anything. That's very important." He described the concept as "a sculpture that you enter," challenging traditional boundaries between art, architecture, and public infrastructure.
The interior spaces of the tunnel system deliberately maintain an raw, unfinished aesthetic that complements the artistic vision above ground. The concrete walls have been intentionally left exposed, showcasing their rough, industrial texture rather than concealing it behind decorative finishes. This design choice reinforces the connection between the sculptural entrances and the functional underground spaces, creating a cohesive artistic experience for daily commuters and visitors alike.
The Monte Sant'Angelo Station project represents part of a broader trend of incorporating high-profile artistic elements into public transportation infrastructure. Recent notable examples include Dominique Perrault's "inverted skyscraper" design for a Paris metro station and Zaha Hadid Architects' perforated terminal in Saudi Arabia. These projects demonstrate how cities worldwide are recognizing the potential for transit infrastructure to serve as platforms for significant architectural and artistic expression, enhancing the daily experience of urban life while contributing to cultural identity and civic pride.
