Tove Jansson’s enchanting world of Moominvalley extends its whimsical charm to the Bronx, transforming the New York Botanical Garden into an interactive landscape with Summer of Moomin. From May 23 to September 13, 2026, this captivating experience weaves Jansson’s beloved literary universe into the serene pathways and lush foliage of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, nestled within NYBG’s broader Flower Power exhibition.
The event beckons you to decelerate and immerse yourself in the outdoors, whether by tracing clues, savoring the tranquility among flora, or sharing a leisurely stroll. Jansson’s work, beneath its whimsical narratives and eccentric creatures, has always championed these nuances—weather shifts, quiet moments, and the intimacy that blossoms when experiencing nature together.
Wandering through nature with the Moomins
The iconic Moomins, brought to life by Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson in 1945, hold a unique place in children’s literature. These characters blend whimsy with profound existential and ecological insights. Through novels, comics, and illustrations, Jansson painted Moominvalley as a tapestry of curiosity, melancholy, and adventure—deeply intertwined with the natural world.
This ethos pervades the New York activation, which seamlessly integrates with the Botanical Garden’s landscape. Engage with interactive quests, hands-on crafts, and life-sized Moomin figures. The centerpiece, The Mystery in Moominvalley, invites families to explore like Jansson’s characters, fostering an environment of discovery.
NYBG’s Flower Power exhibition channels the visual language of the 60s and 70s, portraying flowers as icons of hope and imagination. The Moomins seamlessly enter this narrative, echoing themes of refuge and coexistence prevalent throughout Jansson’s post-war stories of hope amid uncertainty.
In these installations, calm and curiosity—the heart of the Moomin saga—are tangible. Encounter Moomin characters lounging amid blossoms, see Little My and Snufkin frolic among gargantuan flowers, and soak in scenes that capture Moominvalley’s cyclic rhythms.
Entrance to Summer of Moomin at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Immersive explorations and educational adventures
Venture into Snufkin’s tent, where educational activities await, focusing on plants, insects, and the joys of outdoor exploration. An outdoor theater encourages children to delve into storytelling and celebrate nature through play.
Throughout the garden, quotes from Moomin tales prompt visitors to pause and connect with the natural world.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com