Celebrate 80 years of Moomins

In 2025, Finland celebrated 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. 

It’s the perfect time for both lifelong fans and newcomers to experience the warmth, whimsy, and wonder of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.

Article last updated in Fabruary 2026.

The Moomins' 80th anniversary was 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). This unique exhibition marked the first time that Tove Jansson’s public paintings were presented together in one place, offering a fascinating glimpse into her creative genius. It featured 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.

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 hosted special events and exhibitions throughout 2025, including a celebratory event on August 9th at Tampere Hall in honour of Tove Jansson’s birthday. 

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 Leppävirta in Finland’s Lakeland region is another magical place to visit for Moomin lovers. For the Moomin 80th anniversary, it took on a special significance as the year's theme honoured the very first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood.

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.