Gadigal Metro Named One Of The World’s Most Beautiful Stations

Gadigal Station has gained international recognition after being named by Prix Versailles as part of the World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations for 2025.

The station received praise from the global architecture award for its innovativeness, sustainability, and functionality, being described as the “epitome of absolute modernity.”

It features modern platform seating, sandstone wall panels sourced from a local quarry, six monumental columns at the Park Street entrance, full accessibility, platform screen door technology, and additional enhancements.

Inside the station, there are two colourful tiled murals titled The Underneath by Callum Morton, acknowledging Sydney’s rail past. The cartoon-style installation, reminiscent of Looney Tunes, is displayed at both entrances of the station.

“Sydney Metro strives to deliver great places that bring together excellence in design outcomes with new public spaces, retail, commercial, community facilities and world-class integrated developments above and around stations,” said Peter Regan, Sydney Metro Chief Executive.

“Gadigal reflects Sydney’s identity as a modern, creative and connected global city.”

The metro station joins a list that includes other stations such as Mons Station in Mons, Belgium; Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, China; and Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, among others.

The station is competing for one of three World Titles in 2025: Prix Versailles, Interior, or Exterior, with the winners announced during the World Ceremony on December 4, 2025.

Station recently celebrated its first birthday

Located beneath the Sydney CBD, Gadigal Station opened alongside five other metro stations and platforms between Central and Sydenham in August 2024, and averages around 15,700 daily visitors. 

More than a metro stop, Gadigal is perceived as an urban precinct. Twenty-five metres below ground sit the train platforms, while above rise two 29-storey towers with a glass-fronted office building and Sydney’s first build-to-rent apartments.

While Gadigal Station has received international recognition for its design, other areas of Sydney’s metro are still in the process of development. The opening of the Bankstown line, connecting Marrickville to Bankstown, has been delayed until September 2026.

The section between Sydenham and Bankstown has been closed since 2023, affecting around 60,000 commuters who rely on replacement buses and alternative transportation.