5 June 2025

Brooklyn Public Library presents the first-ever Moomin and Tove Jansson exhibition in the US

Brooklyn Public Library presents Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open — a landmark U.S. exhibition celebrating the world of the Moomins and their creator, Tove Jansson. The exhibition will be open from June 28 to September 30, 2025.

A First-of-Its-Kind U.S. Exhibition

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.

The Legacy of Tove Jansson and the Moomins

Tove 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 with Moomin dolls. © Reino Loppinen

First Swedish edition of the first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood (1945). © Moomin Characters™

Immersive Exhibition Features

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.

Exploring Jansson’s Broader Life and Impact

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.

Swedish edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, illustrated by Tove Jansson (1966). © Tove Jansson Estate

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.

Interactive Family and Youth Programming

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.

Adult Programming and Events

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.

Exhibition Partners

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.