Celebrate 80 years of Moomins

This year, Finland celebrates the magical creatures that have captured the hearts of fans around the world for 80 years – the Moomins! The journey began with the first Moomin tale, The Moomins and the Great Flood, written by Tove Jansson and published in 1945. The story follows Moominmamma and Moomintroll on their quest to find a new home and the missing Moominpappa, ultimately arriving at Moominvalley, where the iconic blue house stands as a symbol of security, shelter, and belonging – values that remain timeless. 

With festivities stretching throughout 2025, it’s the perfect time for both lifelong fans and newcomers to experience the warmth, whimsy, and wonder of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.

The Moomins' 80th anniversary is a milestone celebration with a variety of exciting events for visitors to enjoy this year. One of the highlights is the Tove Jansson – Paradise exhibition at the Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), running until early April. This unique exhibition marks the first time that Tove Jansson’s public paintings are presented together in one place, offering a fascinating glimpse into her creative genius. It features murals she painted on commission in the 1940s and 1950s, showcasing her lesser-known works in the mural genre, from small decorative pieces to monumental frescoes.

A special highlight is a collection of six large charcoal drawings that provide rare insights into Jansson’s creative process – these sketches were found in her studio and have never been shown to the public before. Alongside these works, visitors will also experience the evolution of the beloved Moomin characters, from early sketches to murals, celebrating the genius of Tove Jansson and her enchanting universe.

The Moomin Museum in Tampere is a must-visit, as it is the world’s only museum dedicated to Tove Jansson's beloved characters, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical world of the Moomins. Visitors have the chance to explore original artwork, including rare illustrations, book covers, and sketches from Jansson's personal collection.

To mark the 80th anniversary, the museum will host special events and exhibitions throughout 2025, including a celebratory event on August 9^th at Tampere Hall in honour of Tove Jansson’s birthday. This year is the perfect time to visit, as the museum delves deeper into Jansson's legacy and the themes of kindness, family, and adventure that have made the Moomins beloved for generations.

In October 2025, the Helsinki Architecture & Design Museum will unveil a unique exhibition that offers a fresh and exciting perspective on Tove Jansson’s artistry. This exhibition explores Jansson’s lesser-known contributions to architecture and design, highlighting her creative genius beyond the world of literature and illustration.

While Jansson is best known for her beloved Moomin characters, her artistic talents extended to many forms of design, including set and costume design, as well as architectural sketches. The exhibition will showcase how her visionary approach to design influenced Finnish aesthetics, offering an insightful look at how her work blends storytelling with the built environment.

If you want to live out your Moomin dreams in a place filled with Moomin magic, then Finland’s Moomin World is where you need to go. In Naantali, you’ll find an enchanting theme park set in a fairy-tale landscape where Moomin Valley comes to life. Picture yourself strolling through lush gardens, meeting Moomin characters in their charming homes, and experiencing live performances based on Tove Jansson's stories. It’s a place where adults can relive their childhoods, and kids can fall in love with the Moomin family for the first time.

The Moomin Ice Cave in Finland’s Lakeland region offers a magical winter experience, and for the Moomin 80th anniversary, it takes on a special significance. This year's theme honours the very first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood. The icy sculptures bring this heartwarming tale to life, featuring a frosty Moominhouse with the timeless message that "the door of the Moominhouse is always open".

A true Moomin celebration wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the natural beauty of Finland. For a deeper connection to Tove Jansson’s world, head to the Finnish Coast and Archipelago, where Tove spent many summers. The island of Pellinki, about 50 kilometres from Helsinki, inspired many of the landscapes in her Moomin stories, from the steep valleys and deep forests to the stormy seas.

Tove’s original summer cottage is located on Klovharun Island in Pellinki, and it’s open to the public for one week each July (check schedules beforehand). Nearby, the Söderskär lighthouse, a nature preserve, offers a real-life glimpse into the lighthouse that inspired Moominpappa’s Lighthouse, where you can soak in the sights of the islands and the Baltic Sea that shaped Tove’s imagination.

Imagine sailing through the archipelago with the adventures of the Moomins in mind or relaxing in a traditional sauna (a quintessential Finnish experience) while reading your favourite Moomin book. It’s the perfect way to feel connected to the world that inspired Tove Jansson’s enchanting stories.

Want to take a piece of Moomin magic home with you? You'll find several Moomin Shops in Helsinki and at Helsinki Airport, offering a delightful selection of Moomin-inspired products. In central Helsinki, visit two flagship stores: the newly opened Moomin Shop Esplanadi (Pohjoisesplanadi 2), inspired by the book Moominsummer Madness, which features the world’s largest collection of Moomin products, and Moomin Shop Lasipalatsi (Mannerheimintie 22-24), both offering a magical experience with unique merchandise, window displays, and special events.

If you're passing through Helsinki Airport, you'll find two Moomin Shops in both the Schengen and Non-Schengen terminals, filled with plenty of Moomin treasures to take home, whether arriving or departing. And don’t miss the Moomin café on the non-Schengen side of the airport. This cosy café, inspired by the whimsical Moomins, serves a delightful selection of coffee, pastries, and snacks, making it the perfect spot to get into the Moomin spirit as soon as you land!

Visiting Finland during the Moomins' 80th anniversary is more than just a trip; it's a celebration of love, family, and the simple joys of life. Whether you're a lifelong Moomin fan or discovering them for the first time, Finland invites you to step into a world that feels like a warm hug – your Moomin adventure awaits!