The Moomin Museum is an experiential art museum that takes visitors of all ages on an imaginary journey to Moominvalley. Our Magical exhibition features original Moomin illustrations donated by Tove Jansson in 1986, presenting the seafaring adventures of his iconic Cavalcade of lovable characters. The exhibition is complemented by a selection of action-packed three-dimensional paintings by Tove's partner, graphic artist Tuulikki Pietilä. Allow at least an hour or two for your visit... and come back soon, because there's always something new to see and do in 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 the order of your choice. Each book is presented through original illustrations, paintings and three-dimensional tableaux, which are like miniature theater sets illustrating scenes from the Moomin books. If you follow the books in chronological order, you'll notice how Tove's characters and drawing style have changed over the years.
Moomin house
Two meters high, the pride of our museum is a five-storey replica of the blue Moomin house, complete with secret passages 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 is not an exact replica of Tove's original illustrations. It was designed by Jansson, Pietilä and their friend Pentti Eistola, a doctor who added his own touch to the design.
Sketches and tools
Complementing 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 craft supplies. Tove, Tuulikki and even their friends traveled the world to collect materials, natural objects and other items for the paintings.
Do it yourself in our Studio
During your visit, be sure to drop by our studio, where we organize workshops to unleash your inner artist. You can also get creative on your own. Our year-round workshops range from arts and crafts to community projects. The Studio is open daily from noon to 4pm, except when closed for a private event.
We're happy to help
You can simply have fun in our museum, but if you'd like to learn more about Moomin and Tove Tales, 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 the Moomin books next to each painting. 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 features all the Moomins and their friends, but if you'd like to delve 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.