City selected to host Moomins anniversary art

Next year will mark 80 years of The Moomins, with the hit books translated into 60 languages around the world

Bradford is one of four UK locations selected to host artwork to celebrate the 80th anniversary of beloved children's characters The Moomins.

The residents of Moominvalley were created by Finnish illustrator and writer Tove Jansson, with the first book, The Moomins and the Great Flood, published in 1945.

To mark the milestone birthday, four artists have been commissioned to create public artworks inspired by the first Moomins story.

The upcoming UK City of Culture was chosen to host the artwork by Palestinian artist Basel Zaraa in Bowling Park in June 2025.

Originally written in Swedish, the books have been translated into 60 languages and have sold millions of copies across the globe.

The anniversary celebrations will run under the theme “The Door is Always Open”, a reference to the door of the Moominhouse, which offers shelter, comfort and security.

The Moomins were created by Finnish artist Tove Jansson

Artworks will also be on show at the Southbank Centre in London, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and Gloucester Guildhall.

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of this global project marking the 80th anniversary of these much-loved characters.

"Bradford is a city of sanctuary, a city of peace and a place of refuge for people from across the world.

"Basel Zaraa’s work demonstrates that audiences, wherever they are from, will be welcome, included and safe at Bradford 2025.”

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