Learn MoreThe exhibition, Moomin Animations – Thrills and Cuddles, which is brought to the United States by the Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C., will open at National Children’s Museum on September 3, 2021, and will be on display inside the Visiting Exhibit Hall until January 9, 2022. This is the first time this exhibition travels abroad. It highlights the rich history of Moomin animations, which are based on the Moomin books and comic strips created by the renowned Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson (1914–2001).
In 60 years, numerous Moomin animations have been made around the world. The exhibition shows how the treasured stories have evolved from the very first Moomin film to premiere on TV, a German marionette animation film (1959), to the most recent, magnificent 3D animation series, Moominvalley (2019), created by the Finnish production company Gutsy Animations. The exhibition includes the best-known Moomin animation so far, the Finnish-Dutch-Japanese joint production Tales from Moominvalley (1990), which aired in over 120 countries. On display is also a Polish Moomin animation from 1977 and a Japanese animation from 1969 – the latter has aired only in Japan before being included in this exhibition.
Furthermore, the exhibition presents digigraphs of Jansson’s original artwork and stills from the animations to show the differences and similarities between the original and new interpretations. The audience will be provided with possibilities for interaction and participation.
National Children’s Museum is a nationally recognized cultural and educational institution that serves children and families through science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) focused experiences. “National Children’s Museum is thrilled to host the international premiere of Moomin Animations – Thrills and Cuddles,” says President and CEO, Crystal R. Bowyer. “As a Congressionally-designated institution in the nation’s capital, the Museum celebrates global cultural education, and the values that The Moomins represent.”