Moomin Characters, the parent company of the global phenomenon created by the acclaimed Finnish artist, illustrator, and writer Tove Jansson, launched its 80th-anniversary celebrations for the Moomins.
Under the theme of The Door is Always Open, new and returning fans alike are invited to join in global Moomin80 celebrations throughout 2025, including charitable fundraisers, fan competitions, new book, film, and product launches, and much more.
For the anniversary celebrations, Moomin Characters revisits the first Moomin story written by Jansson, The Moomins and the Great Flood. At the center of this story is the Moominhouse, which offers shelter, comfort, and security–universal needs that are as timeless today as they were 80 years ago–to all who seek it.
James Zambra, Creative Director at Moomin Characters Ltd. and Thomas Zambra, Head of Business Development at Moomin Characters Ltd shared:
As we celebrate 80 years of Moomin, it’s a privilege to carry forward Tove Jansson’s legacy of inclusivity, creativity, and compassion. The theme ‘The Door is Always Open’ reflects the universal values at the heart of Moomin stories. We are excited to see how fans around the world will embrace these timeless messages through the exhibitions, Moominhouse competition, and new collaborations we have planned throughout the year.
The anniversary year is bookended by two major exhibitions in Jansson’s home country, each highlighting facets of her life and art that have previously gone unexplored. Filling two floors of the Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) and opening October 25, Tove Jansson: Paradise takes an in-depth look at the artist’s public paintings and the preparatory studies previously unseen by the public.
Several other exhibitions focused on Moomins and Tove Jansson will open throughout 2025. The Moomin80 celebrations will culminate in an exhibition opening at the Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki in October 2025, which will explore Jansson’s unique approaches to architecture and design and how she masterfully crafted both imaginary and physical spaces.
Moomin Characters will also collaborate with renowned fashion retailers and designers to launch collections inspired by the Moomins’ timeless themes and bring Moomin gifts and lifestyle products to new audiences in the United States and worldwide throughout the anniversary year.
The much-anticipated adaptation of Jansson’s beloved novel The Summer Book by director Charlie McDowell will also hit screens in 2025 following premieres at BFI London Film Festival and AFI Film Fest in October 2024. The Summer Book film captures a unique friendship on a small island in the Gulf of Finland between a young girl and her grandmother, played by eight-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close.
Fans can also look forward to the newest season of the award-winning game Sky: Children of the Light from thatgamecompany, which blends the enchanting world of Moomin with rich visual and emotional storytelling, leading players on a journey of friendship, healing, and self-acceptance. The whimsical season lasts through December 29, 2024.
In line with the theme The Door is Always Open, Moomin Characters will launch a global competition on October 24, 2024, inviting fans of all ages to create their own version of the Moominhouse. Fans’ interpretations can be made in the medium of their choice and will be displayed in an online gallery. The competition will be judged by an expert panel of artists, experts, and Moomin enthusiasts, who will award ten prizes for inspiring work. Winners of the ‘Create your own Moominhouse’ competition will be announced on May 28, 2025.
Moomin Characters and The Red Cross have extended their longstanding partnership to gather funds for those in need across fifteen countries. Part of the proceeds from selected products sold will be donated to The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to contribute to its humanitarian work. Moomin Characters has also pledged a total of €100,000 to select Red Cross Societies to further their efforts in crisis relief and community resilience-building.
To stay updated on Moomin80 celebrations, including more announcements on exhibitions, product launches, and charitable initiatives, visit www.moomin.com/moomin80.
