Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open

I first discovered Tove Jansson and her whimsical world of the Moomins through the visionary efforts of Drawn & Quarterly, who introduced her work to an unsuspecting North American audience by publishing beautifully curated collections of her stories. Before that, Jansson’s enchanting creations were largely celebrated in Europe, while much of North America remained unaware of her genius. It was a bold and transformative decision by Drawn & Quarterly that opened the door to a universe filled with charm, philosophy, and quiet adventure. Thanks to their dedication, a whole new generation was able to fall in love with the Moomins, and we are all richer for it. The Brooklyn Public Library’s new exhibition devoted to these beloved characters is a perfect continuation of this cultural awakening—a chance to further celebrate and grow the Moomins’ presence in North America and beyond.

Brooklyn Public Library invites visitors of all ages to the first-ever U.S. exhibition dedicated to Tove Jansson, the beloved Finnish artist, writer and creator of the Moomins. 

Opening June 28 at Central Library, Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open celebrates the enduring magic of Moominvalley and its visionary creator. This free exhibition illuminates Jansson’s universe through immersive installations, archival materials and multilingual editions of her books. Begin your visit in Central’s Grand Lobby to discover the first Moomins story, then trace the characters’ extraordinary global reach through original publications from the 1940s onward, seen alongside rare artifacts from early theatrical productions, television adaptations and musical interpretations that continue to bring Moominvalley to life.

The exhibition also highlights Jansson’s early career in political satire, her unmissable novels for adults, her seaside summers in the Finnish archipelago, and her identity as a queer woman in postwar Europe. Personal letters between Jansson and her friend Eva Konikoff, a New York-based photographer, as well as the American edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll featuring Jansson’s illustrations, also connect the artist’s story to the U.S. and underscore her legacy as a truly international figure. 

Joining a global celebration of the Moomins’ 80th anniversary, Tove Jansson and the Moomins welcome newcomers and longtime fans alike. Central Library’s Youth Wing will offer film screenings of charming Moomins animations, as well as interactive activities that encourage young visitors to read, learn, and play through the lens of Jansson’s good-natured characters.

In addition to family-focused offerings, the exhibition will feature a robust lineup of adult programming that explores Jansson’s literary, artistic and cultural legacy. Details about public programs, workshops, guided tours, panel discussions and family events will be announced throughout the summer.

“In time for her beloved characters’ 80th anniversary, the work of Finnish artist Tove Jansson will go on display at The Brooklyn Brewery‘ from June 28th to September 30th, admission free: ‘ ‘Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open’ celebrates the enduring magic of Moominvalley and its visionary creator. This free exhibition illuminates Jansson’s universe through immersive installations, archival materials and multilingual editions of her books. Begin your visit in Central’s Grand Lobby to discover the first Moomins story, then trace the characters’ extraordinary global reach through original publications from the 1940s onward, seen alongside rare artifacts from early theatrical productions, television adaptations and musical interpretations that continue to bring Moominvalley to life. The exhibition also highlights Jansson’s early career in political satire, her unmissable novels for adults, her seaside summers in the Finnish archipelago, and her identity as a queer woman in postwar Europe. Personal letters between Jansson and her friend Eva Konikoff, a New York-based photographer, as well as the American edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll featuring Jansson’s illustrations, also connect the artist’s story to the U.S. and underscore her legacy as a truly international figure.”

About Tove Jansson

Tove Jansson’s books and comics about the adventurous Moomintrolls have charmed millions of readers for several generations and continue to attract new audiences across the globe. Today, Jansson is most known for her Moomin books, which have been translated into more than 60 languages, sparking numerous new adaptations for games, television, theatre, and even opera and ballet. With her multifaceted life’s work, Jansson (1914–2001) became one of Finland’s key visual artists during the postwar golden age of modernism.

Jansson’s career spanned almost seven decades and she expanded and transformed her expression tirelessly up to the last years of her life. Her life’s work is unique: books for both children and adults, paintings, illustrations, comics and caricatures as well as applied art and commercial cooperations. She is remembered as one of the most loved authors and artists in the Nordics. 

Jansson studied at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, and L’École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1966, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her body of work. Jansson had a studio in Helsinki but also spent time at her home on a small island called Klovharu.

About Moomin Characters

Moomin Characters Oy Ltd is the official copyright holder of all the Moomin characters. All characters from Moominvalley are trademark-registered worldwide. The company was founded in the 1950s by Tove Jansson (1914–2001) and her brother Lars Jansson to manage the copyright of the Moomins and is still run by family members. Rights and Brands is the worldwide licensing agent of the company.

The exhibition Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open will be on view at the Central Library from June 28 to September 30, 2025.