Charing Cross tube station is getting rebranded as a tribute to Keith Haring this week

Keith Haring’s subway drawings – which the legendary artist drew in white chalk on New York’s transport network in the 1980s – remain among his best-loved works. So it’s fitting in many ways that Haring’s art will be taking over a London tube station this week as part of a two-day installation.

On Wednesday September 17 and Thursday September 18, Charing Cross tube will be transformed into ‘Haring Cross’ and feature two original pieces by Keith Haring. Expect the whole place to look a whole lot more colourful than usual, with the ticket hall and escalators plastered with the artist’s iconic drawings.

Given that this is a tube station takeover, ‘Haring Cross’ will obviously be free for anyone to check out. It’ll also see visitors given free limited-edition prints, while stocks last.

So, why exactly is Charing Cross – ahem Haring Cross – getting an arty makeover? Well, the installation is by Absolut, which is marking 40 years since Haring designed an advertising campaign for the spirits brand back in 1986. The two original artworks in question were created for that campaign, featuring red lines and dancing figures on a yellow background.

Deb Dasgupta, Absolut Vodka’s VP Global Marketing, said about the installation: ‘Absolut has always believed that art should be open, joyful and for everyone. Keith Haring’s work radiated that belief – full of energy, colour and hope.

‘With Absolut Haring, we’re inviting a new generation to celebrate that spirit in a public space – in an underground station that reflects and connects to the subways that inspired Haring more than forty years ago.’

Emma Strain, customer director at Transport for London, said: ‘The London Underground has a long-standing connection to the art world, so we’re delighted to work with Absolut to be able to host Keith Haring's art at Charing Cross Tube station. Activations like this provide our customers with a new way to experience art in London.’

Charing Cross tube station, September 17-18 2025.

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