Riyadh is redefining the commuter experience by weaving art into the fabric of daily life. As the city expands its public transportation network, metro stations are emerging not just as transit hubs but as cultural landmarks where movement and creativity intersect.
At the heart of this transformation is Riyadh Art’s growing permanent collection, which continues to shape the city’s evolving urban identity. Among the first artworks to find a permanent home within the metro system are two remarkable sculptures by Alexander Calder and Robert Indiana, each offering a powerful artistic dialogue within the rhythm of the city.
A Journey Through Public Art: Iconic Sculptures in Motion
Public transportation is more than a means of travel—it is a shared space, a meeting point of experiences, and now, a gateway to artistic discovery. At King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, this vision takes form through two internationally celebrated sculptures, bringing art into the everyday.
Alexander Calder’s Janey Waney
Towering in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and black, Alexander Calder’s Janey Waney is a testament to the power of movement and balance. Known as one of the pioneers of kinetic art, Calder infused his sculptures with a sense of playfulness and energy. Janey Waney does exactly that—its bold, geometric forms rise dynamically, capturing both the eye and imagination of passersby.
Set within the ultra-modern backdrop of one of Riyadh’s busiest transit intersections, Calder’s work serves as a striking counterpoint to the structured efficiency of the metro system. As commuters move through the station, the sculpture offers a pause—an invitation to experience art in motion, much like the city itself.
Robert Indiana’s LOVE
Just a short walk from Calder’s masterpiece, another global icon finds its place in Riyadh. Robert Indiana’s LOVE—a work that has become synonymous with the universal themes of connection and optimism—now radiates its message in the heart of the city.
The instantly recognizable bold typography, with the tilted “O” adding a dynamic sense of movement, embodies the energy of the metro station while offering a moment of reflection amidst the rush. Since its inception in the 1960s, LOVE has been installed in major cities worldwide, and its presence in Riyadh now marks a new chapter in its global legacy.
Positioned in a space where thousands pass through daily, LOVE is more than a sculpture—it is an emblem of shared experience, transforming the metro station into a place of meaning, interaction, and artistic dialogue.
Riyadh’s Evolving Cultural Identity
The integration of these monumental works into Riyadh’s metro system signals a broader movement: the city’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, art-infused urban environment. Public art has long served as a marker of cultural ambition, and in Riyadh, it is rapidly becoming an integral part of how the city is experienced.
The placement of Janey Waney and LOVE within everyday transit spaces reinforces a key principle—art is not just something to be observed in galleries or museums; it should be encountered, lived with, and engaged with in real time. These sculptures are among the first of many that will define the cultural footprint of Riyadh Art’s permanent collection, embedding world-class artistry into the city’s infrastructure.
As Riyadh continues to establish itself as a global center for contemporary art, these installations signal a new era—one where art is not a destination but a constant presence, enriching the lives of all who pass by.
Witness the Transformation
With other artworks now relocated to their permanent homes across the city, this is your chance to witness Janey Waney and LOVE in their new setting—where movement, design, and artistic vision come together to redefine the commuter experience.
Visit King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station today and experience how art transforms the everyday into the extraordinary.
Would you like to see more of Riyadh Art’s growing permanent collection? Stay tuned as we continue to unveil new placements and artistic landmarks across the city.