Summer of Moomin in New York City
For Moomintroll and his friends, summer is the time for exciting adventures, spontaneous trips, and spending time outdoors. Many of the Moomin stories center around the warm months – they hibernate through winters, after all!
From 23 May 2026, the Moomin stories take over the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) with various activations and outdoor adventures, inspiring visitors to tune into the sense of curiosity and happiness that nature can bring. Presented in conjunction with NYBG’s summer exhibition Flower Power, the activation brings together the meaning of nature in the Moomin stories and an exploration of flowers as symbols of peace and love.
From story-inspired activities including “The Mystery in Moominvalley” clue-based quest, hands-on nature crafts, and a larger-than-life character photo moment, Summer of Moomin invites visitors of all ages to experience the joy and wonder of nature.
“Midsummer Night came and went and the trees blossomed, and the blossoms changed into apples or other good things.”
The Memoirs of Moominpappa (1950)
“Summer of Moomin marks special moment for us, as Tove Jansson’s stories have always celebrated curiosity and a deep respect for nature. Partnering with the New York Botanical Garden feels like a natural way to introduce new audiences to the world she created: one where adventure begins outdoors and where people are reminded of the joy and calm that nature can bring,” say James Zambra, Creative Director of Moomin Characters and Thomas Zambra, Director of Business Development; both descendants of Tove Jansson.
“As we look to preserving our world for the next generations, the spirit of connectedness with nature that is central to the world of Moomin feels more important than ever. By giving families and children an avenue to connect with nature through these beloved stories, we hope to inspire future generations with a renewed sense of care for the natural world.”