June 5, 2025, 2:45pm
You may know Tove Jansson, the Finnish artist, by her literary fiction. Her bespoke illustrations. Or just her pioneering life as a queer multi-hyphenate, carving out a corner of the sky in post-war Europe.
There’s a lot to know her by. Over a seven decade career, Jansson wrote and drew for children and adults, making comics, paintings, caricatures, and novels.
But you likely know her best for the strange little creatures she invented.
First US edition of Finn Family Moomintroll from 1952.
This summer, thanks to a free exhibit headed for the lobby of the Brooklyn Public Library (Central Branch), New Yorkers can enjoy the Moomins in person. An immersive installation will spotlight Jansson’s life and times in the Moominverse. Pieces on display include archival materials, sketches, props, and actual Moomins. (See below.)
Designed to coincide with Pride Month and the 80th anniversary of these odd Finnish mammals(?), the exhibit and its attendant public programming probably represent the largest gathering of Moomins to ever occur stateside. Which is pretty exciting—unless you happen to live near the Moomin Museum.
So, who are these Moomins? Funny you should ask! They’re technically members of a fictional family, first committed to print in titles like The Book About Moomin, Mymble, and Little My. They go on adventures, and bear a loose resemblance to elephants.
But to be more specific?
Fillyjonk, of the Atelier Fauni.
Some Moomins are stoic.
Snorkmaiden.
Others are playful.
Moominmamma.
Some Moomins are shy.
Snufkin.
And some? Are no-nonsense!
A miniature Moominhouse built by Tove Jansson, Tuulikki Pietilä and Pentti Eistola. © Linus Lindholm.
Oh, and all Moomins are classy. They live in a house that looks like this.
When she wasn’t building a universe for these multi-faceted creatures—all of which can be spotted IRL, at the BPL—Jansson was ensuring they’d live forever, as art. Viewers can find some of that at the BPL, too, taking the form of early book jackets.
First Swedish edition of the first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood (1945).
Whether or not you can make it to Brooklyn this summer, it’s well worth your time to reflect on this singular lady, whose strange imagination still reminds us that we can build the worlds we’d rather inhabit.
Tove Jansson © Eva Konikoff
Get ready for #ToveSummer, all you strange creators. And in the meantime? Keep Moomin’!
All images courtesy of the Brooklyn Public Library.
