“Everyone is always welcome at home, but everyone is free and can go wherever they want.” These words encapsulate the spirit of Tove Jansson. We are now standing before the Tove Jansson Statue. This monument is not just a sculpture. It is a tribute to the creator of the Moomins.
The Tove Jansson Statue is the world’s first monument to the Finnish writer. It stands proudly in Tove Jansson Square in Moscow’s Novomoskovskiy district. This square embodies an urban living room.
The statue itself is a full-height depiction of Jansson. She is holding a palette with a small Moomin figure beside her. Sculptural compositions from her books dot the area. Kirill and Denis Bobylev and Vladimir Trulov created these artworks.
Tove Jansson was a beloved author. Her Moomin stories resonated with generations of children in Russia and beyond. Her tales promote kindness and acceptance. The creation of Tove Jansson Square reflects these values.
GC “A101” designed the square with children in mind. It features walking paths and eco-benches. Gazebos offer shelter for families and neighbors. An urban experience center is also planned.
The opening of the square was a community affair. Residents participated in its creation and implementation. The “D.O.M.” neighborhood festival marked the event. It included workshops, lectures, and games. The festival fostered good-neighborliness and creativity.
However, recent events have impacted the Moomin universe in Russia. Moomin Characters, the company run by Jansson’s heirs, has stopped renewing licenses there. This means Moomin products may disappear from Russian markets. Even a Moomin Spring Festival in Moscow got canceled because of licensing issues.
Despite these challenges, the Tove Jansson Statue remains. It is a symbol of her enduring legacy. The statue celebrates her stories and her message. It reminds us of the importance of welcoming everyone. It also reminds us that everyone should be free.
The Tove Jansson Statue serves as a reminder of the power of stories. They shape our understanding of the world. They also connect us to each other. Take a moment to appreciate this unique monument. Reflect on the values Tove Jansson embodied. Let us carry her message of kindness forward.