Entering the Moomin Universe at Stockmann, the Heart of Helsinki
Walking under the clear blue sky of a Helsinki summer is an experience that enriches the soul. After indulging in a delightful bilberry tart, a true taste of the Finnish forest, at CAFE AALTO inside the Academic Bookstore, my feet naturally led me to the magnificent building next door. It was Stockmann, the largest department store in the Nordic countries.
Memories from my 2019 stopover, a trip made memorable by a fantastic JAL business class flight, came flooding back. I fondly recalled the sophisticated home goods floor and the vibrant, bustling basement food hall. Their charm was deeply etched in my memory. Moreover, this year’s visit was for a special reason: the Moomins are celebrating their 80th anniversary, and a commemorative exhibition is being held right here at Stockmann. As CityNomix, I simply could not miss it.
Standing before the historic facade, I was greeted by a giant, inflatable Moomin looking down from above. It was a whimsical welcome, so quintessentially Finnish. Seeing it perched playfully behind the classic ‘STOCKMANN’ sign brought an instant smile to my face. Now, it was time to step through the doors and into the world of Moomin that awaited inside.
Discovering Moomin Souvenirs in Finland: A Food Hall Wonderland
My first stop was the basement food hall, the part of the store that shone brightest in my memory. Descending the escalator, I entered a culinary paradise. I already knew from experience that Finnish supermarkets are a haven for chocolate and gummy candies. Of course, my mission was to find Moomin-themed sweets and teas.
I didn’t have to search for long. A dedicated Moomin corner, occupying an entire table, was prominently displayed. To my delight, it wasn’t just food items; they had mugs and other merchandise as well. The sheer variety instantly raised my expectations.
The shelves were a kaleidoscope of colorful packaging. There was ‘Berry Picking’ tea, organic chocolate, and the classic Finnish souvenir, Fazer’s xylitol pastilles. The adorable illustrations of the Moomin characters on every item seemed to whisper, “Take me home with you.”
One item that particularly caught my eye was the chic, monochrome ‘Moomin Mystery Box.’ It appeared to be an advent calendar containing 24 different kinds of tea. Its mysterious, slightly spooky design was a charming departure from the typically cute and colorful Moomin aesthetic.
Furthermore, an essential souvenir candidate was the enamel mug. The pink mugs, casually arranged in a wire basket, are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for both daily use and as a memento of my trip. For now, I decided to buy a few of the xylitol pastilles to try. It was a significant find even before I had a chance to visit a proper supermarket.
Exploring the Best Moomin Merchandise at Stockmann Helsinki
Satisfied with my successful start in the food hall, I headed to my next destination: the home and interior goods floor. As expected from a major department store, the selection was impressive. Upon arriving, my eyes were immediately drawn to a special section dedicated to Arabia, Finland’s renowned ceramics brand.
The space, unified with pastel colors, was like a dream. It felt as if a small piece of Moominvalley had been transported right into the store. In the center, a bed made with Moomin-patterned linens invited you to imagine a life filled with gentle stories.
The Moomin by Arabia Collection at the Stockmann Department Store
This corner offered a wide range of items, from classic mugs and plates to home goods like towels. The towel display area was particularly striking. Colorful Moomin towels hung on a mint-green wall next to an old wooden door. This thoughtful staging made me feel as if I had stumbled into the Moominhouse itself.
I also found mugs from the immensely popular ‘Love’ collection by Moomin by Arabia. They feature a heartwarming illustration of Moomintroll and the Snorkmaiden in a gentle embrace. A refreshing new light blue color was available. Seeing them stacked neatly on the shelf was like looking at a piece of art.
Additionally, there were many other collaboration items with famous brands, such as a pitcher with the ‘Afternoon in the Salon’ design, showing Moomintroll and Moominmamma relaxing, and scissors from the historic Finnish brand Fiskars. These were not just character merchandise, but rather exquisite ‘works’ embodying the best of Finnish design. I sighed with admiration as I examined each one.
The Moomin 80th Anniversary Stockmann Exhibition: A Journey Through Time
With my initial reconnaissance of the shopping floors complete, I noticed the evening light beginning to fade outside. Before heading back to my hotel, I had to visit the main event of the day: the Moomin 80th Anniversary Exhibition. The question was, where in this vast department store could it be?
Consulting a store map, I found it was located near the customer service center. I followed a somewhat hidden passageway and discovered a serene space with a green-themed decor. I had found it. From inside a glass case, a large Moomintroll seemed to wave a friendly ‘Welcome!’
The exhibition hall was spacious, with a striking green carpet. Welcome messages in Finnish, Swedish, and English adorned the wall. A statue of the Snorkmaiden greeted visitors at the entrance, and a cute silhouette of Little My on the wall heightened the anticipation for the world that lay ahead.
The Deep Bond Between Stockmann and Moomin
At the core of the exhibition was a timeline detailing the long history of collaboration between Moomin and Stockmann. A section titled ‘A fast-paced 1950s’ explained how, alongside book publications and comic strips, the development of early merchandise in cooperation with Stockmann helped Moomin gain worldwide popularity. It was clear that Stockmann was more than just a retailer; it was a crucial partner in bringing the Moomin story to the world.
The exhibition design itself was thoughtfully crafted. As I followed the path, I’d find cute characters peeking out from the walls. These playful details delighted visitors, showing a clear intention to express the Moomin worldview not just through the displays, but throughout the entire space.
Creating Memories at the Photo Spot
Of course, a photo spot was available for Moomin fans to create lasting memories. A character stand-in allowed visitors to take pictures with the inhabitants of Moominvalley, surely a source of many smiles. Next to it was a precious black-and-white photograph of a 1956 Stockmann window display designed by the creator Tove Jansson herself. In this space where past and present converged, I could truly feel how deeply the Moomin stories have been loved for generations.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Moomin Lovers in Helsinki
Stockmann, my final destination on the first day in Helsinki, turned out to be a Moomin wonderland that far exceeded my expectations. From the delightful souvenirs in the basement food hall and the beautifully designed goods on the interior floor to the anniversary exhibition that radiated 80 years of history and affection, it was a complete experience.
This department store is not merely a place to buy things. It is a place where you can experience the legacy of how the Moomin story was born, nurtured, and became deeply woven into the fabric of Finnish life. If you are visiting Helsinki, and especially if you are a Moomin fan, this Nordic giant is an absolute must-see. Filled with the happiness of having been so thoroughly immersed in the world of Moomin on my very first day, I walked back to my hotel through the Helsinki night, whispering to myself, “Thank you, Moomin. Here’s to many more years.”
Stockmann Helsinki City Center
Official Website: https://info.stockmann.com/info/tavaratalot/helsingin-keskusta/
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