The Moomins and the Great Flood was originally published in 1945 by the acclaimed Finnish artist, illustrator and writer Tove Jansson. Since their debut, the Moomin books have inspired generations worldwide with their messages of inclusiveness, kindness and belonging.

Under the theme “The Door is Always Open” – referring to the door of the Moominhouse, which offers shelter, comfort and security to all who seek it – new and returning fans alike are invited to join in celebrations taking place around the world.

In the UK, the brand is partnering with Counterpoints Arts and Refugee Week to commission four artists to create four public artworks inspired by The Moomins and the Great Flood.

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. It is run by Counterpoints Arts, a leading national organisation in the field of arts, migration and cultural change which produces a range of programmes in the UK and internationally.

The four artworks have been co-commissioned and will be co-produced by Counterpoints Arts and partners around the UK: Southbank Centre in London; Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead; Gloucester Guildhall; and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

The artworks will appear in May and June 2025 and will be supported by a range of community programming, Refugee Week resources and activations.

James Zambra, Creative Director of Moomin Characters, said: “The shelter, comfort and security that the Moominhouse provides are all universal needs, as relevant today as they were 80 years ago when Tove Jansson penned the first Moomin story. We couldn’t think of a better partner with which to celebrate the importance of a warm welcome and a sense of belonging than Refugee Week.”

Almir Koldzic, Director, Counterpoints Arts, said: "We are so excited to be working with Moomin Characters to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first Moomin book as part of Refugee Week in June 2025. Our vision for refugees and asylum seekers to be able to live safely within inclusive communities aligns perfectly with the life and work of Tove Jansson, and this collaboration will help us reach new audiences of all ages and backgrounds. We look forward to the exciting public art commissions that we are co-producing with our partners in Gloucester, London, Gateshead and Bradford as well as the related programming and the Refugee Week resources that will be available across the UK.”

Red Isaac, Senior Producer, Gloucester Guildhall, said: “As a dock city, welcoming people seeking sanctuary is built into our story. There is huge pride in this heritage, and the theme of welcoming people features prominently in the work of communities and arts organisations across the city, recognising the transformative and rich contributions of all the cultures that make up Gloucester. The story of welcome, belonging and safety at the heart of the Moomins chime perfectly with Gloucester Guildhall and city’s values. We are delighted to explore and celebrate these important themes in this project with Moomin Characters and Counterpoint Arts.”

WHAT’S ON

A curated series of magical events, all about finding home and welcoming people in. This series is inspired by Tove Jansson's beautiful Moomin stories, and created in partnership with Refugee Week.

You Look as Though You Might Be a Relation

Sat 14 Jun - Sun 22 Jun

Free, no booking required

Gloucester Docks

“Hello there!” cried Moomintroll through the storm, to show that he was not afraid. “Hello, hello,” said the sea-troll. “You look as though you might be a relation”.

A giant raft is being constructed in Gloucester Docks. This powerful floating installation by socially-engaged artist Dana Olărescu invites us to reflect on how we welcome newcomers to our city.

Throughout Refugee Week the raft will travel to various locations in Gloucester. Join us on its journey.

A commission in partnership with Moomin Characters and Counterpoints Arts

Onto the Water

Date and time TBA

National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks

Free, no booking required

Come down and take a look at the raft installation as we witness it setting sail, carrying stories of welcome across the water. A one-of-a-kind moment of adventure awaits.

Moonlit Arrival

Fri 20 Jun, 6pm & 7pm

North Quay Docks, Gloucester Docks

As the moon rises, the Moomin raft will embark on its final journey across the docks. Gather by the water and let the melodies of local artist Zariq Rosita-Hanif float to you on the evening breeze, carried from the raft beneath the midsummer sky.

For those who wish to get closer, a limited number of special tickets will allow you to row out and experience the music up close. Bring your nightlights and join us for a serene and magical farewell as the raft drifts gently into the night.

Moomin Picnic

Sat 21 Jun, 12pm – 5pm

Kings Square

Join us for a giant Moomin-style picnic in Kings Square, marking the finale of a fantastic week of events for Refugee Week. The fun will be centred around Dana Olărescu’s floating installation You Look as Though You Might be a Relation, and the day will celebrate community as a superpower, and the welcoming spirit at the heart of our city’s identity.

Enjoy delicious free tasters, engaging activities, and music from around the world. Bring family, friends, a picnic - and a small welcoming gift for a stranger!

Welcome Chorus

Sat 14 – Sat 21 Jun (not inc. Mon 16 Jun) 12pm - 2pm & 5pm - 8pm

Gloucester Guildhall

We’re transforming our Gallery and the Chamber Cinema to feel like a pop-up book, inspired by the welcoming world of the Moomins. Step into imagination, lullabies, and adventure, where warmth and wonder await. Experience an immersive light and sound installation by the award-winning Squidsoup and Vilk Collective, along with a rich programme of activities exploring themes of welcome and belonging.

Moomins on Film

Sat 7 Jun

Gloucester Guildhall

Moomins On the Riviera (U), 11am

The Moomins set sail for the Riviera, where, after a journey fraught with storms and desert island dangers, Snorkmaiden is dazzled by the attentions of a playboy and Moomintroll learns that jealousy’s sting is the most painful of all.

TOVE (12A), 2pm

A captivating drama about the creator of the Moomins, her iconic talent and her turbulent search for identity, desire and freedom.

Moomin ABC

Sat 29 Mar – Sun 5 Oct

Museum of Gloucester

Settle down for an hour to explore the magic world of the Moomins with your family and immerse yourself in the adventures of Moominmamma, Sniff, Stinky, Little My, Hodgkins, Snufkin and Snorkmaiden!

The Moomin Gift Shop

Until Oct