Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the roving exhibition of "The Door Is Always Open: Tove Jansson and 80 Years of The Moomins" today (September 30):
 
Mr Timo Kantola (Consul General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. I have great pleasure in joining you for the opening of "The Door Is Always Open: Tove Jansson and 80 Years of the Moomins" roving exhibition.
      
     First of all, my sincere gratitude to Timo, the Consulate General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao, and the Hong Kong Public Libraries, for co-organising this most anticipated event. This is something Timo and I discussed a few months ago, and I am so pleased that the exhibition now materialises so nicely. I must thank you for inviting our citizens and visitors to join this global celebration.
      
     2025 marks a significant milestone: 80 years of the Moomin stories. It all began in 1945, amid the shadows of a devastating war, when Tove Jansson introduced the first tale, The Moomins and the Great Flood. This story powerfully mirrored the reality of displaced people seeking refuge, with the Moominhouse standing as a timeless symbol of security, shelter and belonging, bringing hope and comfort for many. For generations since then, these beloved characters have guided and comforted young readers around the world.
      
     Over the past eight decades, the Moomins have grown from beloved stories into a global cultural phenomenon. They have leapt from the pages of books into our everyday lives - through comics, animations, theatre, countless merchandise, and even theme parks. This profound impact has rightfully earned them a place in all hearts worldwide. Hong Kong is proud to be one of only two places in Asia with dedicated Moomin shops (one in Hong Kong and others in Japan), a testament to the special place they hold in our city.
      
     As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong is committed to leveraging our unique strength under "one country, two systems" to foster cultural exchange. We proudly play an active role in bringing in different cultures while enabling Chinese culture to go global.   
      
     Our collaboration with the Consulate General of Finland is a perfect example. By bringing this exhibition to the Hong Kong Central Library, and with storytelling sessions planned for different public libraries in October and November, we are sharing the magic of the Moomins with our community.
      
     And the celebration doesn't stop there. The Moomins will also join our upcoming Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which will be held at the end of October at the Central Harbourfront. Alongside meeting Moomintroll, Little My and Snufkin, visitors can enjoy Finnish wine and delicacies, savouring a true taste of Finland. 
      
     This exhibition would not be possible without the passion of Moomin fans worldwide and the dedicated efforts of CG (Consul General) Timo. We believe there is tremendous potential for Hong Kong and Finland to build on this partnership. We look forward to greater co-operation, because here in Hong Kong, as the exhibition's title reminds us, "the door is always open". Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:50

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