The Moomins have arrived in Łódź! A unique exhibition has been created to celebrate their 80th birthday.

From May 23rd, the Museum of Cinematography in Łódź will welcome you into a world where friendship, acceptance, and extraordinary imagination are always open. The exhibition "Moomins: Doors Are Always Open" is a tribute to Tove Jansson and the magical characters who have inspired readers around the world for 80 years.

Łódź holds a special place in Moomin history – and not just for readers captivated by the adventures of the lovable characters. It was here, at the Se-Ma-For Small Film Studio , that the iconic animated film "Moomin Stories" was created. Between 1977 and 1982, Polish filmmakers, in collaboration with the Jansson family, brought Moominvalley to life using extraordinary, semi-flat puppets animated on glass panels. This technique required incredible precision – each puppet was handcrafted from wood and fabric, and the end result captivated with a realism and charm unmistakable from any other production.

The exhibition "Moomins: The Door is Always Open" at the Museum of Cinematography in Łódź / photo by Mikołaj Zacharow

The exhibition at the Łódź museum therefore has not only a sentimental dimension but also a historical one – the original dolls, which once moved in front of the camera, are now priceless artifacts. Their presence in the exhibition is a true rarity for fans.

The exhibition "Moomins: The Door is Always Open" at the Museum of Cinematography in Łódź / photo by Mikołaj Zacharow

Interestingly, Tove Jansson herself also visited Łódź in January 1978. She was accompanied by her brother Lars and her partner Tuulikki Pietilä . The author met with the series' directors, Lucjan Dembiński and Krystyna Kulczycka , and personally approved the character designs. The exhibition evokes those moments through archival photos and films – offering visitors a chance to see how this extraordinary Polish-Finnish collaboration was born.

The exhibition "Moomins: The Door is Always Open" at the Museum of Cinematography in Łódź / photo by Mikołaj Zacharow

Since their debut in 1945, the Moomins have been translated into over 60 languages ​​and have captivated readers from Helsinki to Tokyo . Poles first discovered them in 1964, when the first translation of "In Moominvalley" was published. The books' success is no accident – ​​Tove Jansson created a world where kindness, empathy, and friendship are the foundation of everyday life. In 1976, she received the Order of the Smile for her literary achievements – an award that best captures the spirit of her work.

The first episode, "Spring in the Valley," was released in 1977 and paved the way for the Łódź-based production's international career. Initially planned for 39 episodes, 78 were ultimately produced , broadcast across Europe – from Austria and Germany to the Nordic countries and the UK. Two feature-length films were also produced: "Moomin Days" (1983) and "Moomin Winter" (1986).

The exhibition "Moomins: The Door is Always Open" at the Museum of Cinematography in Łódź / photo by Mikołaj Zacharow

The series' story didn't end in the 1980s, however. After a color restoration, it returned to the big screen in the 21st century. "Moomin Summer," "Moomin Chase the Comet," "Moominland's Magical Winter," and "The Moominpappa Diaries" are proof that this story continues to find new audiences.

The exhibition "Moomins: The Door is Always Open" is the first comprehensive exhibition in Poland devoted to both Tove Jansson's work and her unique presence in our culture. Alongside the original dolls, visitors can see hand-drawn storyboards by Jadwiga Kudrzycka, archival Jansson memorabilia , and the Order of the Smile, which she received almost 50 years ago. The exhibition is complemented by unique book editions, comics, audiobooks, and even contemporary Polish "Moomin art" – from handicrafts to tattoos inspired by Moominvalley.

The exhibition "Moomins: The Door is Always Open" at the Museum of Cinematography in Łódź / photo by Mikołaj Zacharow

There was also a documentary prepared by the Cinematography Museum, in which Sophia Jansson , the writer's niece and guardian of the Moomin heritage, speaks.

Although the exhibition is temporary, the Moomins have become a permanent fixture at the Cinema Museum. As part of the permanent exhibition, "Palace Full of Fairy Tales," you can peer inside Moominmamma's gigantic handbag and enter a world that has moved, entertained, and educated generations.

A visit to the exhibition is a return to childhood that will bring a smile to even the most serious face. You can visit until March 29, 2026.