Moomin Museum

The Moomin Museum in Tampere, Finland, is a magical place that brings to life the enchanting world created by the beloved author and artist Tove Jansson. Known locally as Muumimuseo, this museum is a must-visit destination for fans of the Moomin characters and anyone interested in whimsical art and storytelling. Nestled within the Tampere Hall, the Moomin Museum offers a captivating journey through the imaginative universe of Moominvalley, where visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the adventures of Moomintroll, Snufkin, Little My, and other cherished characters.

The Origins and Evolution of the Moomin Museum

The Moomin Museum's origins trace back to 1987 when it first opened to the public as part of the Tampere Art Museum under the name Tampere Art Museum's Moominvalley. For 25 years, the museum resided in the basement of the Tampere City Library Metso, captivating visitors with its unique exhibits. However, due to renovations, the museum had to relocate temporarily to the basement of the Tampere Art Museum from 2013 to 2016. Finally, in the summer of 2017, the Moomin Museum found its permanent home in the Tampere Hall, where it continues to enchant visitors from around the world.

The Enchanting Collection

The Moomin Museum's existence is built upon the internationally renowned Moominvalley collection of the Tampere Art Museum. This collection is the result of generous donations from Tove Jansson, artist Tuulikki Pietilä, and medical licentiate Pentti Eistola, made in 1986, 1993, and 1997. The museum now boasts around 2,000 works, with over half of them being Moomin-themed illustrations and sketches by Jansson. The collection also includes translations of Moomin books in various languages and approximately 40 detailed dioramas created by Pietilä.

Illustrations and Sketches

The Moomin Museum houses the majority of the original illustrations from the Moomin books. Among these treasures are all the illustrations from the novels Moominsummer Madness and Moominvalley in November, as well as the picture book The Dangerous Journey. In addition to the published illustrations, the collection features various sketches, drafts, and cover designs. While most of the illustrations are black-and-white ink drawings, the collection also includes pencil, gouache, and watercolor works.

The Dioramas

One of the museum's most captivating features is its collection of approximately 40 three-dimensional dioramas that depict scenes from the Moomin stories. These dioramas, along with their 381 characters, were primarily crafted by Tuulikki Pietilä, with some assistance from Pentti Eistola and contributions from Tove Jansson and Pietilä's mother, Ida Pietilä. These dioramas, created between 1976 and 1990, bring the Moomin stories to life with intricate detail and a touch of whimsy.

The Iconic Moominhouse

The Moomin Museum's collection includes two scale models of the Moominhouse. The first was created by Pentti Eistola in 1958, while the second, larger, and more famous Moominhouse stands five stories tall and over two meters high. This iconic model was built by Eistola, Pietilä, and Jansson between 1976 and 1979. Designed without architectural plans, the Moominhouse features towers, domes, terraces, staircases, and a variety of windows, creating a whimsical and fantastical structure. The interior is illuminated and furnished with items that one might find in a real home. This Moominhouse inspired Jansson's final Moomin book, An Unwanted Guest in the Moominhouse (1980), illustrated with photographs by Per Olov Jansson.

A Journey Through Time

The Moomin Museum's history began in 1985 when the Tampere Art Museum prepared for an exhibition by Tuulikki Pietilä. Concerned about the future of her works, Pietilä expressed her worries to the museum director, Anneli Ilmonen, who offered to store them in the museum's collection. Later, Pietilä mentioned that Tove Jansson had similar concerns about her Moomin works. Jansson wanted the Moomin collection to remain as cohesive as possible. Ilmonen expressed her willingness to house the Moomin material in Tampere, as there was little interest in Jansson's hometown of Helsinki.

The Moomins Arrive in Tampere

In 1986, the Tampere Art Museum hosted a Moomin exhibition. Jansson, Pietilä, and Pentti Eistola agreed to donate their Moomin collection to the museum and the City of Tampere on the condition that the works remain in Tampere after the exhibition. This generous donation was the largest single contribution in the museum's history. The donors continued to add to the collection in 1993 and 1997.

A Museum for All Ages

The Moomin Museum is not just a place for children but also a haven for adults and international visitors. It offers a unique blend of art, literature, and storytelling that transcends age and language barriers. Whether you're a lifelong Moomin fan or discovering these charming characters for the first time, the Moomin Museum promises an unforgettable experience filled with wonder and nostalgia.

In conclusion, the Moomin Museum in Tampere is a magical destination that celebrates the timeless world of Moominvalley. With its rich history, captivating collection, and enchanting exhibits, it invites visitors to step into the whimsical universe created by Tove Jansson and experience the magic of the Moomins firsthand. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this delightful museum and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Moominvalley.