These museums are dedicated to some of the world’s most beloved cartoon characters, including Tintin and Snoopy.
When one thinks of museums, what often comes to mind are elegant yet imposing structures that contain valuable art and artifacts. While this is usually the case, not all museums are like this. Some lean into whimsy, and are completely dedicated to beloved cartoon characters and their creators. After all, these fictional creations have captured the hearts and collective imagination of people around the world, making them culturally-significant figures and pieces of art in their own right.
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Below are four particular character-themed museums to visit if you find yourself looking for a fun adventure:
Snoopy Museum (Tokyo, Japan)
Japan has always been a go-to place for all things cute, as the country has plenty of destinations featuring cartoon and manga characters. While its Ghibli Park is certainly a must-see for fans of the animation studio’s works, another main attraction is the Snoopy Museum in Machida-shi, Tokyo. Indeed, one can find an entire institution dedicated to nothing but cartoonist Charles Schulz’s quirky and adorable beagle (and the Peanuts band of friends).
The museum has also been trending in online communities after its exciting renewal just last February 1, with a revamped exterior and new exhibits to delight visitors. The spot is actually the only satellite of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA, and it’s certainly a sight to behold.
The newly-renovated museum is twice as big as its previous iteration, with plenty of lush greenery, multi-dimensional exhibitions of Schulz’s characters and works; these include “original and reproduced comic strips, vintage goods, and animation,” according to the museum’s website.
Besides immersing themselves in the world of these characters (and of course, taking some social media-worthy pictures), guests can also take home cute and exclusive souvenirs from the museum’s “Brown Store” and lounge at the “Peanuts Café.”
Miffy Museum (Utrecht, Netherlands)
The quiet and gentle Miffy has become a cherished character to many people, with her simple yet adorable design that immediately captivated audiences through Dutch artist Dick Bruna’s picture books. Known as “Nijntje” in Dutch, a short way of saying “little rabbit,” Miffy now has her own museum in Utrecht, Netherlands, which pays homage to her and Bruna’s work.
Though the Miffy Museum is a wonderland that children will enjoy, there’s no reason why adults can’t pay it a visit. It’s a great place for young families, with miniature installations that immerse visitors in Bruna’s vibrant stories. Kids can also take part in different activities throughout the museum, getting to experience Miffy’s world firsthand.
Like any great museum, this one also features a café with Miffy-themed food items, as well as a gift shop. The shop contains all things Miffy, including stuffed toys, puzzles, t-shirts, and a comprehensive selection of Bruna’s wonderful storybooks.
Moomin Museum (Tampere, Finland)
Another group of cartoon characters with their own museum are the Moomins, a family of trolls from the mind of Finnish writer and cartoonist Tove Jansson. The artist’s world of Moominvalley has been a source of inspiration and comfort to many, with relatable characters and a peaceful environment filled with adventure.
The Moomin Museum is situated in Tampere, Finland, and welcomes visitors of all ages with experiential exhibits that feature memorable elements from Jansson’s work, including comic strips, illustrations, collectible items, and sculptures. The museum also hosts special days to give more visitors a chance to experience the Moomins’ stories, like a Seniors’ Day (for older guests) and free entry on one Friday each month.
Aside from beautiful exhibits, the museum features a Moomin Museum Studio where visitors can immerse themselves in Jansson’s art through engaging art workshops for people of all skill levels. A “Reading Room” of Moomin books in almost 30 languages is also available for those who want to visit the fictional world, including rare editions of certain comics. If visitors get hungry while exploring, they can head to Restaurant Tuhto to enjoy sumptuous Nordic cuisine, before stopping by the museum’s gift shop filled to the brim with Moomin merchandise and books that serve as lasting souvenirs.
The Hergé Museum (Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)
Lastly there’s the Hergé Museum in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. The institution takes the pen name of the Belgian comic artist Georges Prosper Remi, who went by “Hergé” when he created the famous The Adventures of Tintin comics.
It’s hard not to recognize the titular character Tintin with his preppy looks, unique hairstyle, and penchant for traveling the world alongside his fox terrier, Snowy. Then there’s the whole cast of equally recognizable characters like Captain Haddock, Thomson and Thomson, and Bianca Castafiore, among others. Hergé’s comics are arguably some of the most important European works in recent history, and integral parts of many people’s childhoods.
The museum in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve is completely dedicated to preserving the artist’s legacy and celebrating the timeless characters he created. Like the Moomin Museum, the Hergé Museum also offers free admission once a month, on every first Sunday.
In the museum, guests can wander around the various exhibits displaying sculptures, illustrations, and copies of Hergé’s comics. Meanwhile, a gift shop offers a panoramic display of mementos guests can purchase during their trip, like postcards, books, and other collectibles. The museum’s “Le Petit Vingtième” restaurant serves meals with fresh ingredients and a seasonal menu, all within a charming space containing Tintin paintings and comics.
Banner photo via Instagram @snoopymuseumtokyo.
