Header: Courtesy of Artek
Finnish design company Artek and the beloved Moomin brand are celebrating big anniversaries in 2025. Artek turns 90, while it’s been 80 years since Tove Jansson published her first Moomin story. To mark the occasion, they’ve launched the Artek + Moomin collection, focusing on shared ideas about welcoming everyone and enjoying time together. The collection features two reimagined furniture pieces by the famous designer Alvar Aalto, designed perfectly for that spontaneous Finnish hospitality when guests drop by.
Always room for one more: Stool 60 celebration
Need an extra seat in a pinch? The Stool 60 Celebration has you covered. This special version of Alvar Aalto’s classic Stool 60 is designed to make sure there’s always a spot for an unexpected visitor. What makes it unique are the illustrations by Moomin creator Tove Jansson, which are laser-engraved onto the round seat top and the signature bentwood legs.
The pictures aren’t polished illustrations; they’re more like doodles and handwritten notes taken directly from Jansson’s early notebooks and Moomin stories. Think of the secret scribbles you might find on an old school desk. This adds a playful, personal touch. The stool is finished with a honey stain to give it a warm, older look.
Secrets inside: Cabinet 250 celebration
The collection also brings back a classic piece from Artek’s past: Alvar Aalto’s Cabinet 250, often called the “cocktail cabinet.” This special edition features a birch veneer body and solid birch legs, also finished in the warm honey stain. From the outside, it looks elegant and ready for a party, hinting at its job of holding drinks or special dishes for gatherings.
But the real fun is hidden inside. When you open the doors, you find a delightful surprise: the interior is covered in Tove Jansson’s Moomin characters! Drawn in her charming pen style, these illustrations include the duplicate doodle-like drawings and handwritten bits from her early work found on the stool. It makes the cabinet feel like a one-of-a-kind piece customized just for you. While great for party supplies, it’s also useful for other storage around the house. Be aware, though – this cabinet is a very limited release. Only ninety numbered pieces were made, one for each year of Artek’s history.
Designs with personality
The illustrations chosen for this collection reflect Tove Jansson’s own way of connecting with people. She often left little drawings and doodles in letters and notes for her friends and family – spontaneous and personal touches. The pen-drawn style feels playful and genuine.
By incorporating these illustrations into classic Aalto furniture, Artek and Moomin have created pieces that speak to anyone who loves Jansson’s timeless stories. The collection celebrates design history, storytelling, and the simple joy of making unexpected guests feel welcome.
