The Moomins Are Coming to New York: A Whimsical New Exhibition Opens at the Brooklyn Public Library
New York City is opening its doors to Moominvalley. In a first-of-its-kind U.S. exhibition, the beloved characters of Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson will enchant visitors at the Brooklyn Public Library‘s Central Branch, starting June 28. Titled “Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open,” the exhibition invites audiences into a magical, immersive world inspired by Jansson’s iconic Moomin stories.
🎨 A Celebration of Tove Jansson’s Life and Legacy
Tove Jansson (1914–2001) was a pioneering Finnish-Swedish artist, illustrator, and writer. A queer creative force working before and after WWII, her art and storytelling blended fantasy, freedom, and humanity in ways that still resonate globally today.
Jansson’s work is cherished across Scandinavia and beyond, often compared in spirit to beloved characters like Miffy and Snoopy. Her first Moomin book, The Moomins and the Great Flood (1945), introduced the curious, gentle creatures who explore nature, friendship, identity, and adventure within their lush Moominvalley.
🏡 What to Expect at the Exhibition
The Brooklyn installation transforms the library into a living, breathing version of Moominvalley. Visitors can step inside:
- A life-sized Moomin house
- Archival drawings, illustrations, and manuscripts from Jansson’s personal collection
- Rare Swedish editions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1966) and The Hobbit (1962) illustrated by Jansson herself
- Political cartoons from her early satirical work
- Streamed animations and musical renditions of Moomin tales
- Intimate glimpses into her life on the Finnish archipelago, where many Moomin stories were born
🧭 Why It Matters
The exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, offering both a tribute to their longevity and a platform to introduce U.S. audiences to Jansson’s deeper artistic legacy.
“As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, it’s especially meaningful to see Tove’s work celebrated in a space that shares her core values — curiosity, inclusion, and the power of storytelling,” said James Zambra and Thomas Zambra of Moomin Characters.
“We’re honoured to introduce U.S. audiences to this multifaceted exhibition that not only explores the world of the Moomins, but also shines a light on Tove’s originality and remarkable life.”
