For two days only, London commuters are stepping into an unexpected cultural moment. Charing Cross station has been transformed into Haring Cross, an immersive tribute to the legendary artist Keith Haring and his iconic partnership with Absolut Vodka. This temporary installation marks the first time that two original Haring paintings from 1986 have been exhibited publicly in the UK.
Absolut Haring in the heart of London
The project transforms the bustling ticket halls and escalators of the Underground into a vibrant gallery. At its heart are two original Absolut Keith Haring paintings, works rarely displayed outside of museums. First created for Haring’s groundbreaking Absolut campaign in the 1980s, these pieces famously turned the brand’s apothecary-shaped bottle into a pop culture icon. Now, they return to a subway setting that echoes the artist’s earliest creative playground in New York.
True to Haring’s belief that “art is for everybody,” the installation also features an interactive poster wall. Commuters can take home a free limited-edition Absolut Haring poster, decorated with vivid red figures dancing against a striking yellow backdrop.
A celebration of art collaboration
The London activation is part of a wider global campaign surrounding the launch of the Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle, which hit travel retail in July and is now rolling out across 40 markets. The design translates Haring’s unmistakable energy into a bottle adorned with his signature rhythmic figures in red, yellow, and Absolut blue.
According to Absolut’s global marketing team, the project reflects the brand’s long-standing belief that art should be inclusive, joyful, and accessible. Representatives from the Keith Haring Studio and Artestar emphasized that this new art collaboration not only revives Haring’s 1986 partnership but also expands public access to his legacy.
Since the mid-1980s, Absolut has collaborated with over 550 artists, including Andy Warhol, creating more than 850 works of art that now form the renowned Absolut Art Collection in Stockholm’s Spritmuseum. Haring’s vibrant imagery remains among the most celebrated in this archive.
A must-see two-day experience
Transport for London, which partnered on the activation, highlighted the Underground’s deep connection with art and its role in bringing cultural projects to everyday commuters.
The Haring Cross experience runs only from September 17th to 18th, 2025 at Charing Cross Tube station. For those unable to attend, the Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle offers a lasting keepsake of one of pop art’s most vibrant collaborations.
ABSOLUT VODKA takes over Charing Cross Tube station in bold tribute to KEITH HARING’S iconic Absolut artwork
Images and video courtesy of ABSOLUT
Spacial thanks to PANGOLIN