A magical journey to Tampere and the world’s only Moomin Museum

By Ndéla Faye

In Tampere, Finland, lies a whimsical treasure trove for both devoted fans and curious newcomers alike: the Moomin Museum. Nestled within the Tampere Hall, this unique cultural gem celebrates the enchanting world of the beloved Moomins, created by Finnish-Swedish artist and author Tove Jansson.

The Moomin Museum is more than a museum; it’s a portal to a fantastical universe where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. From the moment visitors step into the dimly lit gallery, they’re embraced by an atmosphere of quiet wonder, as though stepping into a storybook.

A magical journey to Tampere and the world’s only Moomin Museum

Tove Jansson’s illustration to The Dangerous Journey, 1976. Moomin Museum © Moomin Characters

The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to captivate the senses and encourage exploration. Housing a large collection of Tove Jansson’s art, the museum showcases an array of treasures donated by Jansson and her partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, to the Tampere Art Museum in 1986. Now, the Moomin Museum is taking care of the collection, and among the highlights are original works, intricate book illustrations, and breathtaking miniature tableaux hand-crafted by Jansson and Pietilä, which can only ever be seen at the museum.

Photo: Laura Vanzo

Jansson was profoundly affected by the outbreak of the Second World War, and she sought to escape from the war by creating a fairy-tale world in a happy, green valley where the Moomintrolls and their friends led a peaceful existence. Her first Moomin book, The Moomins and the Great Flood was published in 1945.

“Now, 80 years after the first Moomin book was published, its themes – identity, friendship, kindness and equality – are still just as relevant. Tove Jansson’s Moomins and her work continue to resonate with people worldwide,” says Heli Hakala, the museum’s communications specialist.

Photo: Heidi Mäenpää

A unique collection

What sets the Moomin Museum apart is its ability to appeal to both children and adults. Younger visitors are enchanted by the playful, imaginative elements, while adults often find themselves reflecting on the deeper themes woven into Jansson’s work.

Jansson was not just an author and illustrator, but also a painter and cartoonist. In addition to the Moomins, she also published novels and collections of short stories for adults and painted a number of renowned murals in Finland. One of the museum’s centrepieces is a large, meticulously detailed three-dimensional model of the iconic Moomin House – handmade by Pentti Eistola, Tove Jansson and Tuulikki Pietilä – that feels plucked right out of the book’s pages.

“These works reveal the loving care and imagination with which Jansson brought her characters to life – the gentle Moomintroll to the mischievous Little My and the enigmatic Groke. Each of the museum’s exhibits invites visitors to linger, investigate, marvel, and rediscover the Moomin stories and characters from new perspectives,” says Hakala.

Photo: Heidi Mäenpää

A warm welcome for all

“The Moomins and the people of Tampere have a lot in common. They’re down-to-earth, approachable, quirky, and unafraid to embrace adventure. It’s fitting that the Moomin Museum calls Tampere home. Like the Moomin house, where the doors are always open, everyone is welcome here,” Hakala adds.

Näsinneula Tower. Photo: Visit Tampere Ltd./ Laura Vanzo

Located in Finland’s picturesque Lakeland region, Tampere is just a 90-minute train ride from Helsinki or a short journey from Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, which is easily accessible by public transport. The airport has excellent flight connections to multiple destinations. This summer, airBaltic will operate flights to Tampere twice a day, with direct flights from Riga and twice-weekly flights from Malaga. During the winter season, in addition to Malaga and Riga, there are also direct flights to Kittilä, Tallinn and Gran Canaria.

Tampere City Centre. Photo: Visit Tampere Ltd./ Mikko Vares

Beyond the Moomin Museum, Tampere offers a wealth of year-round activities. Known as the Sauna Capital of the World, the city boasts the country’s oldest still-operating public sauna, alongside a variety of other sauna experiences. Visitors can also enjoy scenic lake cruises, explore vibrant cultural events, unwind at small local craft breweries, explore Finnish design shops, and try out sauna rafts.

“The city is brimming with charm, from its rich cultural scene and fascinating museums to its fantastic restaurants and serene nature experiences. There’s truly something here for everyone,” says Heli Jokela, communications manager for Visit Tampere.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Moomins or discovering their world for the first time, the Moomin Museum offers a journey filled with whimsy, nostalgia and inspiration. Paired with the endless delights of Tampere, it’s an experience not to be missed.