On view June 28 – September 30, 2025
Brooklyn, NY (June 5, 2025) –– This summer, Brooklyn Public Library invites visitors of all ages into the world of Tove Jansson with Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open, the first-ever U.S. exhibition dedicated to the beloved Finnish artist, writer, and creator of the Moomins. Opening June 28 at the Library’s Central Branch and extending across the borough through satellite programming, the exhibition celebrates the enduring magic of Moominvalley and the life of the visionary behind it.
Jansson, one of the Nordic’s most celebrated cultural figures, wrote the first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood, in 1945. Since then, the fantastical creatures who live in Moominvalley and Jansson’s timeless themes of open-hearted adventure, nature, friendship, and courage have resonated across cultures and ages. Jansson went on to publish eight more books in the series, in addition to four picture books, and today, Moomin books are published in more than 60 different languages.
Tove Jansson and the Moomins will offer a rare opportunity in the U.S. to step into Jansson’s creative universe through immersive installations, archival materials, multilingual editions of her books, and public programming for all ages. The Library’s Grand Lobby will focus on the first Moomin story and trace the extraordinary global reach of the Moomins through original publications from the 1940s onward, alongside rare artifacts from early theatrical productions, television adaptations, and musical interpretations that brought Moominvalley to life.
The exhibition will also introduce visitors to lesser-known aspects of Jansson’s life, including her early career in political satire, vibrant years as a painter and novelist, seaside summers in the Finnish archipelago, and her identity as a Queer woman working in postwar Europe. Personal letters from 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.
Hosted at Central Library, which averages 3,000 visitors per day, Tove Jansson and the Moomins reflects the Library’s commitment to bringing world-class art, literature, and ideas to the heart of Brooklyn.
“Coinciding with Summer at the Library and Pride month, this imaginative and joyful exhibition invites visitors of all ages to explore the world of Tove Jansson,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “Jansson’s work aligns closely with our mission to foster understanding, curiosity and a sense of belonging through storytelling. Rooted in themes of openness, exploration, and inclusion, her work reflects the Library’s commitment to providing free and welcoming access to ideas, culture and community.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Brooklyn Public Library to bring Tove Jansson and the Moomins to life in New York. 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 a belief in the power of storytelling to build bridges between people. We’re honored to introduce U.S. audiences to this deeply personal and multifaceted exhibition that not only explores the world of the Moomins but also shines a light on Tove’s originality and remarkable life as a writer, artist, and pioneer,” said James Zambra, Creative Director of Moomin Characters and Thomas Zambra, Director of Business Development, and relatives of Tove Jansson.
Joining a global celebration of the Moomins’ 80th anniversary, Tove Jansson and the Moomins will welcome newcomers and longtime fans alike. Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library youth wing will include film screenings of Moomin animations, storytimes and interactive activities that encourage young visitors to read, learn, and play through the lens of Tove Jansson’s beloved 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. Guided tours and several panel discussions, including one exploring Jansson’s literary impact and the importance of children’s literature, will offer opportunities to reflect on her work’s continued resonance with contemporary audiences. Details about public programs, workshops, and family events will be announced throughout the summer.
The exhibition is presented by Brooklyn Public Library in partnership with Moomin Characters, Moomin Arabia, the creator of the world-famous Moomin mugs that have become cherished collectables, Finnair, Finland’s national carrier and an official partner of Moomin since 1995, and the City of Tampere, home of the world's only Moomin Museum.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
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 1950’s 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.
About Tampere, Finland
In 1986, Tove Jansson donated over 2,000 original Moomin artworks to the city of Tampere. Today, the highlights of this unique collection are presented at the Moomin Museum – making Tampere the proud home of the world’s only Moomin Museum.