Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Moomins Exhibition in Delhi Celebrates Finnish Creator's Legacy of Empathy
Imagine a family of friendly, white, round characters with long noses called Moomins, created by a Finnish artist named Tove Jansson.
She made them a long time ago, after a big war, to help teach people, especially kids, about being kind and understanding to everyone, even if they are different.
There's a special exhibit in Delhi about the Moomins that lets you walk into their make-believe home, Moominvalley.
You can read their stories, watch cartoons, and even make your own Moomin pictures.
The Moomins always welcome visitors, showing us that opening our 'door' to others is important.
Tove Jansson believed that even though life can be hard, things like friendship and kindness make it wonderful.
Her stories are inspired by her own life and friends, and they teach us to celebrate being unique and to be brave.
An exhibition titled 'Moomin 80 – The Door is Always Open' is being held at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi.
The exhibition celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, created by Finnish artist Tove Jansson.
Jansson created the Moomins towards the end of World War II, intending to foster empathy and counter conformity.
The exhibition is interactive, featuring walk-through structures, reading areas, films, and creative activities.
Moomin stories emphasize themes of welcoming differences, diversity, empathy, individuality, and finding beauty in life despite hardship.
- Who
- Finnish writer and illustrator Tove Jansson and her creation, the Moomins
- What
- An interactive and immersive exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, exploring themes of empathy, diversity, and belonging.
- When
- The exhibition is on view until January 15; Tove Jansson created the Moomins towards the end of World War II.
- Where
- Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi
- Why
- To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Moomins and highlight Tove Jansson's legacy of using children's literature to inspire empathy and explore complex themes.
Jansson's Intentions
Interpretation of Works
Post-War Context
Jansson's Intentions
Tove Jansson created the Moomins specifically to inoculate future generations against conformity and power-worship, inspired by the devastation of WWII.
Interpretation of Works
While the WWII context is evident in Jansson's work, her shift to a simpler style also aligns with the development of Scandinavian design, focusing on minimalism and light colors.
Artistic Motivation
Jansson's Intentions
Jansson found painting 'completely pointless' during WWII, turning to the Moomins as a source of respite and a safe haven for herself and her audience.
Interpretation of Works
The first Moomin book was written as a respite, revolving around characters searching for a home amidst hardships and uncertainties, reflecting themes of displacement and finding belonging.
- Exhibition Title
- Moomin 80 – The Door is Always Open
- Location
- Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi
- Duration
- Until January 15
- Celebration
- 80th anniversary of the Moomins
- Collaboration
- Embassy of Finland
- Creator
- Tove Jansson