National Waterways Museum Gloucester marks refugee week with a welcome to the Moomins
Much-loved Finnish characters the Moomins bring their special messages of kindness, sharing and friendship to the National Waterways Museum Gloucester this month.
Canoeing at Gloucester Quays
It’s 80 years since author Tove Jansson introduced her mythical Moomins to the world. Their stories look at friendship, acceptance, and community. Which makes them perfect ambassadors for Refugee Week. Their love of nature and the outdoors reflects the work and thinking of the National Waterways Museum Gloucester.
Refugee Week
Throughout Refugee Week visitors will be able to explore the Museum and Gloucester Docks through the eyes of the Moomins, looking at the world as they see it – whether it’s learning something new, getting creative or getting active.
Moomins loved living and travelling on water, and outside in Gloucester Docks there will be a giant raft floating around various locations. The work, by Romanian artist Dana Olărescu, invites everyone to reflect on how newcomers are welcomed to Gloucester. The raft reaches North Quay Docks (alongside the Museum) on Friday 20 June (6pm and 7pm). There, local artist Zariq Rosita-Hanif will serenade everyone into the evening of the summer solstice.
A number of special tickets will be available for people to row out to the raft to enjoy Zariq’s melodies and experience, more closely, this magical midsummer event.
The giant raft also inspires creativity inside the Museum. Younger visitors will be able to create their own mini versions of the Moomin raft. All materials will be provided. It also inspires others to get on the water with paddling sessions.
Enjoyed by everyone
Anna Finn, our community development manager at the Museum explains more: “A partnership between mythical Scandinavian creatures and our Museum is not as odd as it might first seem. So many of themes explored by the Moomins resonate with issues that matter to us in the Canal & River Trust. We want our waterways and Museum to be enjoyed by everyone. We are committed to working with local communities across the city and county.
"Last summer we hosted folk artwork and in 2023 we welcomed Luke Jerram’s ‘Crossings’ artwork which also looked at themes of refugees. The theme of the overall event is ‘The Door is Always Open’ and as long as the Museum doors are open then we will guarantee our visitors a warm welcome and an inspirational experience.”
Walking group on the canal
Everyone is welcome
Other activities include a free Language Walk and Talk session on Wednesday 18 June. Everyone is welcome, whatever their language, on a guided 90-minute canal walk followed by lunch at the Museum and a chance to share stories. Walking creates space to connect, reflect, and support one another. Led by local volunteers, this walk is a place to meet others and build meaningful connections by water.
New artworks, also inspired by the partnership between Moomin Characters and Refugee Week, will aim to create welcoming and accessible starting points for conversations about refuge, resilience and community.
On 20 and 21 June from 11am to 3pm there will be drop-in Kite Making Workshops with artist collective Play with Earth. As well as being used for play, kites symbolise freedom and hope. Participants will be encouraged to write or draw on their flags messages surrounding the theme of welcome and community.
Events
The Museum will also host a large textile panel by Gloucestershire-based contemporary artist Lily Cheetham. The work celebrates the theme of ‘Community as a Superpower’, which is the central theme of Refugee Week 2025. More than a decorative piece it will encourage viewers to reflect on, and engage with, the experiences of refugees and think about how communities can give support through acts of kindness, solidarity and welcome.
Events at the Museum are part of a city-wide celebration that sees Gloucester chosen as one of just four locations across the UK (Bradford, Gateshead and London’s South Bank) to celebrate Refugee Week with Moomin-inspired creative work. The project, being led by Gloucester Guildhall, is a partnership with Counterpoints Arts and Refugee Week. All the artworks reflect themes of refuge, resilience, and community.
Additional information
The National Waterways Museum Gloucester is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
An annual pass to the museum gives unlimited return visits for 12 months and cost: Adult (16+) £17; Child (5-15) £9; Child (under 4) Free; Concession £15; Family £42.00.
Day tickets: Adult (16+) £10: Child (5-15) £6: Child (under 4) free; Concession £9; Family £25
