The beloved Finnish cartoon phenomenon, Moomin, is marking its 80th anniversary this year with a commemorative, interactive exhibition titled “The Beginning of The Moomins,” now open at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. Running through early January 2026, the installation transports visitors into the magical world of Moominvalley, tracing the franchise’s evolution since 1945 while recreating iconic scenes from its origin story, Moomin and the Great Flood, offering fans both historical depth and engaging photo opportunities.
The exhibition, housed within the Kai Tak Retail Galleria Phase 2, is designed as a deep dive into the creative legacy of author Tove Jansson. It centers around two key features: a comprehensive historical corridor and seven elaborate themed zones.
Stepping into Moominvalley
Upon entering, attendees encounter a life-sized recreation of the fictional Moominvalley. The immersive journey begins with the Great Flood narrative, featuring a stark, black-and-white forest designed to evoke the story’s initial atmosphere. Interactive elements encourage participation; mirroring Moomin’s adventure, guests can utilize flower-shaped flashlights to search for the hidden character, Sniff.
Subsequent zones feature intricate, luminous displays, including a highlight scene showcasing countless glowing Hattifatteners sailing in a red boat. A unique feature of the exhibition is the climactic flooding scene. Using flickering lights to simulate rising waves, visitors participate in a dramatic reenactment: they must climb aboard “floating” furniture to retrieve Moominpappa’s message in a bottle, echoing the central challenge faced by the Moomin family. The experience concludes with a special animated screening provided by a Finnish creative team and opportunities for guided photo sessions with Moomin and his family near the iconic Moominhouse.
A Look Back at Eight Decades
For those interested in the franchise’s rich history, the historical corridor provides a meticulous timeline. This archival section showcases Moomin’s development across eight decades through reproductions of original manuscripts, rare promotional memorabilia, and a library stocked with original novels and picture books available for browsing.
The commitment to celebrating the anniversary extends to exclusive retail experiences. A dedicated pop-up shop offers unique merchandise, and visitors can personalize and mail their own Moominhouse postcards at a specialized station. To commemorate the 80th milestone, a special edition ticket (priced at $300) includes an adorable DIY wooden lightbox featuring Moomin and friends in a whimsical picnic scene.
Visitor Information and Impact
“The Beginning of The Moomins” is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the 2nd and 4th floors of the Kai Tak Retail Galleria Phase 2. Standard tickets begin at $128 per person, with preorder options available online.
This large-scale, interactive installation serves not only as an entertainment destination but also as a cultural tribute, demonstrating the enduring global appeal of Moomin. By synthesizing historical context with sensory, narrative-driven experiences, the exhibition provides an educational and engaging framework for fans of all ages to connect with Tove Jansson’s celebrated universe. The commitment to crafting high-quality, immersive environments reflects a growing trend in lifestyle exhibitions that prioritize visitor participation and storytelling.