Moomin art
The Moomin Museum is an experiential art museum that takes visitors of all ages on an imaginary journey to Moominvalley. Our magical exhibition presents original Moomin illustrations donated by Tove Jansson in 1986, featuring the maritime adventures of her iconic cavalcade of loveable characters. Rounding out the exhibition is a selection of action-packed three-dimensional tableaux crafted by Tove’s partner, the graphic artist Tuulikki Pietilä. Allow at least an hour or two for your visit… and come back soon, as there’s always something new to see and do at our museum.
Follow the covers
With twelve giant book covers guiding the way, the Moomin Museum presents Tove Jansson’s Moomin books in their original chronological order, but you’re welcome to explore the exhibits in any order you like. Each book is introduced through original illustrations, paintings, and three-dimensional tableaux, which are like miniature theatre sets illustrating scenes from the Moomin books. If you follow the books in chronological order, you’ll notice how the characters and Tove’s drawing style changed over the years.
The Moomin House
Standing two metres tall, the pride of our museum is a five-floor replica of the blue Moomin House, complete with secret passageways and hidden surprises. Can you find the fuse box? Where does Moominmamma store her jam jars? Does the Moomin House have a sauna? The miniature model is a pastiche of architectural styles, and it is not an exact replica of Tove’s original illustrations. It was crafted by Jansson, Pietilä and their friend Pentti Eistola, a physician who added his own touches to the design.
Five storeys
Sketches and tools
Rounding out the exhibits is a selection of items from the Paraphernalia collection donated by Tove Jansson and Tuulikki Pietilä, including sketches of Moomin characters, tools, and various crafts supplies. Tove, Tuulikki and even their friends travelled the world collecting materials, natural objects, and other items for the tableaux.
Do it yourself in our Studio
When you visit, be sure to drop in at our Studio, where we host workshops unleashing your inner artist. You’re also welcome to get creative on your own. Our year-round workshops range from artmaking and crafts to community projects. The Studio is open daily from noon to 4 pm unless we’re closed for a private event.
We’re happy to help
You’re welcome to simply have fun at our museum, but if you’re keen to learn more about the Moomin tales and Tove, please borrow a guide booklet. Our museum guides will also be happy to answer your questions – just look for their green uniforms. You can listen to multilingual audio excerpts from Moomin books next to each tableau. Can you recognize Tove’s voice reading Swedish? You can read summaries of the Moomin stories on our digital screens, where you’ll also find autobiographical facts about Tove. Our digital character gallery introduces all the Moomins and their friends, but if you want to go deeper into the world of the Moomins, please join a guided tour or book your own guide. We offer a variety of themed tours of the exhibitions.
