An exhibition celebrating Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson and her beloved Moomin characters has opened in New York City, marking the start of global events for the 80th anniversary of the first Moomin story.
New York hosts first major US exhibition on Tove Jansson and the Moomins
The show, titled Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open, is on display at the Brooklyn Public Library until the end of September. It is the first major exhibition in the United States dedicated to Jansson’s life and the world of the Moomins.
Through texts, archival material, books, readings, film screenings and panel discussions, the exhibition offers visitors an in-depth look at Jansson’s artistic career and personal journey.
Tampere highlights original Moomin House and Jansson’s donations
In Finland, the Moomin Museum in Tampere Hall is also marking the anniversary with a special exhibition running until the end of August. This show focuses on the original Moomin House model and its intricate three-year construction process.
The museum in Tampere remains the only one in the world dedicated to the Moomins, housing original illustrations and three-dimensional dioramas donated by Jansson herself.
According to Iina Ojala, marketing director for the City of Tampere, “the most important international investment of the anniversary year is the collaboration on the Tove Jansson and the Moomins exhibition, with which we present the Moomin Museum and Tampere to the world.”
Finnish art gains international spotlight
The celebrations coincide with growing international interest in Finnish art. In December, New York’s Metropolitan Museum is set to host the first US exhibition dedicated to another prominent Finnish artist, Helene Schjerfbeck.
Together, these events reflect a broader effort to showcase Finnish cultural heritage to a global audience, strengthening ties between Finland and international art institutions.
