This winter, something wild and whimsical is sprouting in the Blue Ridge.
Beginning November 15, 2025, Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo makes its U.S. premiere at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville — and you're invited to be among the very first to encounter these curious creatures.
Crafted from reclaimed wood and full of personality, these twelve larger-than-life troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum’s gardens and trails through February 17, 2026. This outdoor art exhibition, presented in partnership with Explore Asheville, invites guests of all ages to wander, wonder, and rediscover the natural world through the wide eyes of these folkloric visitors.
Six trolls will also join the Arboretum’s beloved Winter Lights display from November 15 through January 4, creating a new dimension of enchantment for Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition.
A Global Artist. A Local Connection.
Thomas Dambo is known worldwide for his towering troll sculptures — all made from salvaged materials like fallen branches and wooden pallets. His work has delighted millions across Europe and parts of North America. But Trolls: A Field Study is a brand-new collection, and Asheville is the first place in the U.S. to host these never-before-seen creations.
Each troll has a distinct personality and a shared mission: to better understand the small, fascinating lives of humans. Guests will be able to pick up a “treasure map” at the Arboretum and seek out these thoughtful giants, who have plenty of lessons to teach — and even more to observe.
Why Asheville? Why Now?
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, this exhibition carries an added layer of meaning for our community. Dambo’s use of reclaimed materials, his reverence for nature, and his belief in beauty rising from what’s been discarded feels especially timely. These trolls are more than sculptures — they are symbols of revival, imagination, and playful connection.
Plan Your Visit
Trolls: A Field Study will be on display daily during regular Arboretum hours from November 15–February 17, with the six Winter Lights trolls glowing nightly through January 4.
Whether you're a curious first-time visitor or a longtime fan of Asheville’s creative spirit, this is one winter experience you won’t want to miss.
