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The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, is delighted to present the first-ever Moomin presentation in India – “Moomin 80 – The Door is Always Open.” Opening on August 7, 2025, at KNMA’s Interactive Terrain (IT) in Saket, this interactive and immersive experience celebrates the 80th anniversary of the beloved Moomins and invites audiences into the magical world of Moominvalley.
The Moomins were born in 1945 through the imagination of acclaimed Finnish artist, author, and illustrator Tove Jansson (1914–2001), who created a whimsical universe that offered solace, joy, and resilience during the uncertainty of World War II. 2025 marks 80 years of Moomin stories. It all began with the first Moomin tale, The Moomins and the Great Flood, published in 1945. A consoling and adventurous story about a displaced family and their quest to find a home, it ends in what will become known as Moominvalley, with its iconic blue house. It is a joyful place where everyone is welcome, a true symbol of a sense of belonging –The door is always open. Over the decades, the Moomins have become global icons of hope, friendship, and belonging, with books translated into more than 60 languages and animations viewed across continents.
At the heart of the presentation is a hands-on, child-friendly space where young visitors and families can discover Moomin characters and explore the rich emotional landscape of Moominvalley. Through play and exploration, the exhibit encourages emotional learning, empathy, and self-expression. The presentation also offers a deeply personal look into Tove Jansson’s life through a compelling photo journey where writing, painting, illustrations, comics and theatre are seamlessly interwoven. As an queer icon in a time when homosexuality was taboo and even criminalized, Jansson’s courage, creativity, and humanism shine through in her work and legacy.
Reflecting the timeless appeal of Jansson’s stories, the presentation highlights the Moominhouse as a symbol of unconditional acceptance, a place where the door is always open to anyone in need of shelter, friendship, or a sense of belonging. These themes continue to resonate in today’s world, offering comfort, inspiration, and a vision for a more compassionate society.
“The exhibition reflects what the Moomins and Finland have in common. In Jansson’s books, the Moomins never lock their doors, embodying trust and openness that are key pillars of Finnish society. High levels of trust are also reflected in Finland’s happiness. The Moomins are a diverse group of characters, living together peacefully and treating each other as equals. This mirrors Finland’s values of equality, inclusion, and acceptance, from gender equality to broad societal tolerance. In Moominvalley, characters help one another in times of need, reflecting Finland’s societal safety nets and the cultural mentality of looking out for one another. The Moomins are also known for their close relationship to nature, similarly to the Finns. We are very excited to bring the world of Moominvalley and the adventures of the Moomin family to both children and adult audiences in India!” said Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador, Embassy of Finland in New Delhi.
Housed within KNMA’s Interactive Terrain (IT), a Tetris-inspired, immersive environment designed to foster hands-on engagement with art, the Moomin presentation aligns closely with the pedagogical and conceptual goals of the space. Both the Moomin universe and IT emphasize imagination, inclusivity, and storytelling as vital tools for learning and cultural connection. In embedding the Moomins within this interactive framework, the presentation encourages multi-sensory exploration and cross-generational engagement, reinforcing KNMA’s commitment to accessible, participatory, and narrative-driven museum experiences.
An extensive public programming series will accompany the exhibition, including storytelling sessions, dramatic readings, creative workshops, cultural talks, and family-friendly activities. These events aim to foster deeper engagement with the Moomin stories, highlight Finnish culture, and promote values of acceptance, empathy, and environmental consciousness.
Kiran Nadar, Founder and Chairperson, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), adds, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Embassy of Finland to present this wonderful celebration of Moomin’s 80th anniversary. This partnership allows us to share stories that transcend borders and speak to universal human experiences. This engaging exhibition is an extension of our mission to connect communities with art and culture that resonate with their lived experience and inspire meaningful dialogue and understanding.“