Paris, France — The magic of the Moomins has arrived in Paris for a momentary pop-up store where myriad Moomin inspired wares are all on the agenda ranging from tote bags to mugs, slippers and stationary and Japanese bento boxes, because the Finnish Moomins are the object of a near-cult following in Japan. This world created by Tove Jansson back in 1945 embodies  freedom, tolerance and kindness. The ephemeral boutique in Paris is open until October 4th, 2026 at 36 rue Etienne Marcel, 75002. 

For those of you who love or have never heard of these endearing fairy-tale characters from the far north, the Moomins, a family of trendy trolls, still live in a peaceful-looking house in an even more peaceful-looking idyllic Moominvalley in harmony with nature. These wonderful characters were created by Tove Jansson, a Swedish-Finnish artist and writer who is widely regarded as the most widely read Finnish author abroad. The first book in the series was published in 1945. Entitled The Moomins and the Great Flood, it tells the tale of Moomintroll and the nurturing Moominmamma’s journeys as they go in search of adventure-loving Moominpappa. That’s when they find their small valley. The first book was published in Sweden and was only the beginning of a series of novels, short stories, picture books and a comic strip by Jansson. During their journeys the Moomins meet a comet, a dragon, a hobgoblin and Snufkin, a carefree wanderer, among others.

The nine Moomin books by Jansson have all been translated into English and you can even visit Moomin World on the Finnish island of Kailo near the city of Turku in Western Finland. The blueberry-colored Moomin House is the main attraction. There are 20 Moomin shops around the world including one in the United States (in Hawaii). Tove Jansson died in 2001 at the age of 86. Her wonderful world of Moonmins lives on.©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette