Moomins Mark 80th Anniversary with First US Exhibition and Creative Prompt for Fans
The cherished Moomins, crafted by Finnish artist Tove Jansson, celebrate their 80th anniversary in 2025 with their inaugural US exhibition, Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open, opening June 28 at the Brooklyn Public Library. This milestone joins global festivities, including exhibitions in Finland, Hong Kong, and other locations, honoring the enduring legacy of Jansson’s whimsical, hippo-like characters.
Tove Jansson’s Multifaceted Legacy
Tove Jansson, while best known for the Moomins, viewed her roles as a painter, author, and illustrator as equally significant. Her artistic contributions extend beyond the Moomin stories to include vibrant paintings, large-scale murals, and illustrations for literary classics like The Hobbit and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Jansson’s first solo painting exhibition debuted in 1943, followed by five more from 1960 to 1970. Her commissioned murals adorn public spaces across Finland, showcasing her versatility.
Jansson’s influence on modern illustrators, especially in Finland, is undeniable, with her signature blend of storytelling, vivid detail, and minimalist design inspiring countless artists. Recent exhibitions, such as the 2014 Ateneum Art Museum’s centenary show, which attracted nearly 300,000 visitors, and the Houses of Tove Jansson display in Paris, have highlighted her broader creative output, cementing her as a cultural icon.
Brooklyn’s Immersive Moomin Exhibition
From June 28 to September 30, 2025, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch will host Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open, the first US exhibition dedicated to Jansson and her beloved characters. This free, immersive experience will transform the Grand Lobby with rare archival materials, original sketches, props, and publications from the 1940s. Visitors will discover Jansson’s diverse career, including her sharp political cartoons and her life as a queer woman navigating postwar Europe.
Timed with Pride Month and the Moomins’ 80th anniversary, the exhibition offers programming for all ages. Kids can enjoy interactive activities and film screenings in the Youth Wing, while adults can attend panel discussions on Jansson’s artistic and literary impact. The event is a collaboration with Moomin Characters, Moomin Arabia, Finnair, and the City of Tampere, home to the world’s only Moomin Museum.
The Door Is Always Open: A Welcoming Theme
The exhibition’s title, The Door Is Always Open, reflects the inclusive spirit of Moominvalley, where diverse characters are embraced. This metaphor, also used in exhibitions like Gary Baseman’s retrospective at the Skirball Cultural Center, invites visitors into Jansson’s imaginative world. The “open door” symbolizes accessibility, blending fine art with popular culture and encouraging creative exploration. It captures Jansson’s gift for crafting a universe that welcomes readers and viewers of all ages to step into her enchanting stories.
Create Your Own Moomin-Inspired Art
To celebrate the Moomins’ milestone, fans can channel Jansson’s iconic style using a free Midjourney prompt: “Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of [SUBJECT/SCENE], soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9 –style raw –v 7 –stylize 1000”. This prompt lets users generate artwork echoing the charm and warmth of Moominvalley, perfect for sharing or personal enjoyment.
Ready-to-use examples:
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of Moomintroll and friends stargazing in a meadow, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moonin-inspired scene of Snufkin fishing by a serene river with woodland creatures, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of Little My exploring a forest with curious squirrels, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of Moominmamma baking with playful hedgehogs in a cozy kitchen, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of the Snork Maiden dancing with fireflies at dusk, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of Moominpappa sailing with seagulls on a windy shore, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of the Hemulen collecting flowers with buzzing bees, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of Too-Ticky ice-skating with polar bears on a frozen lake, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
Whimsical Moomin-inspired scene of Moomintroll and the Groke wandering through a snowy forest, soft pastel colors, cozy Scandinavian landscape, soft round shapes, detailed yet minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic, magical atmosphere –ar 16:9
The Brooklyn exhibition and this creative prompt invite everyone to explore Tove Jansson’s timeless world, where imagination knows no bounds and the door to Moominvalley is always open.
