A special exhibition dedicated to Tove Jansson, the iconic figure of literature and visual arts, has opened its doors to art enthusiasts at Aynalı Geçit in Beyoğlu. “Tove Jansson, Creator of the Moomins and Artist: An Exhibition on Her Writing and Art” is organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland, Dinozor Çocuk (the children’s imprint of Ayrıntı Publishing), and the Home of Moomin Museum in Tampere, Finland.
Special Guests Attended the Opening Night
The exclusive opening of the exhibition took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 6, with the participation of Finnish Ambassador Pirkko Hämäläinen and the artist’s niece, Sophia Jansson, who also serves as the guardian of her creative legacy. The event brought together many prominent figures from the world of arts and culture.
What’s on Display?
The exhibition features nearly 40 original works that reflect Tove Jansson’s multifaceted artistic journey. Highlights include:
- The first sketches of the Moomin characters
- Original cartoons
- Book illustrations
- Oil paintings
All the pieces in the selection have been carefully chosen from the artist’s original archive, donated to the Moomin Museum in Tampere. The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of Jansson’s creative legacy, showcasing both her literary and visual art accomplishments.
A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Tove Jansson’s Art
Tove Jansson (1914–2001), Finland’s globally recognized ambassador of literature and art, made significant contributions not only to children’s literature but also to painting, cartooning, poetry, theatre, and radio. Among her most well-known works are:
- The Moomins and the Great Flood
- The Invisible Child
- The Summer Book
- The Moomin Comic Strips
Jansson’s works embrace universal human values, a deep love for nature, and a profound respect for individual differences, making her art both timeless and inclusive.
Sophia Jansson Participates in a Series of Events in Turkey
As part of the exhibition’s opening, the artist’s niece, Sophia Jansson, has traveled to Turkey to take part in several meaningful events. Her program includes:
- A visit to Özel Taş Schools, where she met with children who read The Moomins and the Great Flood, published 80 years ago, and engaged in a Q&A session.
- A drama workshop in Hatay, organized in collaboration with UNICEF, centered around the book Who Will Comfort Toffle?, offering an interactive experience for children.
- A keynote speech at the IV. International Children’s Book Festival in Cappadocia, where she will also inaugurate the exhibition themed The Moomins and the Moominvalley.
Tove Jansson’s Books in Turkey Published Under Dinozor Çocuk and Dinozor Genç Labels
Tove Jansson’s books have been translated into over 50 languages and reached millions of readers around the world. In Turkey, these treasured works are published under the Dinozor Çocuk and Dinozor Genç imprints, both part of the Ayrıntı Publishing Group. The Moomin series has built a large and devoted following with its meaningful stories written for both children and adults, its universal themes, and its distinctive illustrations.
Exhibition Details
📍 Address: Aynalı Geçit, Meşrutiyet Caddesi, Avrupa Pasajı, Kat: 2, Galatasaray, 34435 Beyoğlu / İstanbul
📅 Dates: May 6 – 17, 2025
🕒 Visiting Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (Closed on Sundays)
💰 Admission: Free
👩🎨 Organizers: Dinozor Çocuk, Finnish Embassy, Home of Moomin Museum Tampere
A Brief Life of Tove Jansson
Birth: August 9, 1914, Helsinki, Finland
Death: June 27, 2001
Profession: Writer, painter, illustrator, cartoonist
Final Resting Place: Hietaniemi Cemetery, Helsinki
Approaching her art with the same sincerity as she did life, Jansson delicately explored themes of originality, creativity, love, and hope in her works. The islands and seas of Finland’s coast, where she spent her summers, were recurring natural themes in both her drawings and writings.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Exhibition
- Discover the lesser-known aspects of Tove Jansson’s life and art
- Explore one of the rare exhibitions where literature and art are seamlessly intertwined
- Get a chance to see the original drawings of iconic characters from children’s literature
- Immerse yourself in Finnish culture
- “Tove Jansson, Creator of the Moomins and Artist” offers an inspiring experience not only for children but also for anyone with an interest in literature, art, and creativity.
For those looking to spend a day immersed in art in Istanbul, this exhibition is an unmissable opportunity.
