Moomin character pulled from New York exhibit over racism concern
The Brooklyn Public Library in New York has removed an image of the Moomin character Stinky, known in Finnish as Haisuli, from a Tove Jansson exhibition after a donor found the character potentially racist.
The exhibition, titled Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open, is the first major showcase of Jansson’s work in the United States. It presents her legacy as a writer, illustrator, pacifist and queer artist, alongside illustrations, archival materials and immersive events. It will remain open until 30 September.
The decision has sparked confusion among Finnish Moomin representatives. Kråkström said the accusation is unprecedented. “To our knowledge, this is the first time in the 80-year history of the Moomins that anyone has viewed Stinky as racist,” he told Helsingin Sanomat by email.
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn Public Library, Fritzi Bodenheimer, confirmed the image was taken down in response to the complaint. “This was a curatorial decision intended to ensure all visitors feel welcome,” she told Hufvudstadsbladet.
Stinky is one of the recurring characters in the Moomin universe. He is depicted as a small, troublesome figure who enjoys playing pranks and causing minor chaos. Despite his behaviour, the residents of Moominvalley tolerate him with patience.
The character appears in several books, comics and merchandise, including mugs and figurines. Stinky is often portrayed with exaggerated features and a mischievous grin, but he has never been associated with race or ethnicity.
Selma Green, director of the Moomin Museum in Tampere, said she was surprised by the decision. “The core idea in Tove Jansson’s art and Moomin illustrations is tolerance and diversity,” she said.
According to Green, the interpretation made in Brooklyn contradicts the foundational values of the Moomin stories. “There are semi-scary characters in the Moomin books and comics. Stinky is a bit wicked but also amusing,” she added.
The Brooklyn Public Library in New York has removed an image of the Moomin character Stinky, known in Finnish as Haisuli, from a Tove Jansson exhibition after a donor found the character potentially racist. The exhibition, titled Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open, is the...
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