This fall, internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo brings his largest North American installation to North Carolina. Seven troll sculptures, handcrafted from reclaimed and natural materials, will appear across three cities: five in Raleigh’s Dix Park, one in High Point, and one in Charlotte. Their locations will remain secret until unveiled, encouraging visitors to explore and discover.
“The joy is in the discovery,” says Dambo. “The trolls are shy creatures. They like to be found, not announced.”
Each troll joins Dambo’s global Trollmap, which features more than 150 installations across five continents. Known for transforming public spaces into whimsical destinations, Dambo’s work blends creativity, community, and environmental storytelling.
Sustainability Meets Imagination
Every sculpture is crafted from recycled wood, pallets, and fallen branches, materials that might otherwise be discarded. Dambo’s mission is to show that waste can be transformed into something meaningful, beautiful, and fun. His installations invite visitors to reconsider how we value the natural world and our shared spaces.
Community-Powered Creativity
Volunteers play an essential role in creating the trolls. Each site will offer opportunities for local participation, reinforcing Dambo’s belief that public art is about community as much as creativity. Businesses are encouraged to celebrate the arrival of the trolls with themed menus, decorations, or special offerings to extend the experience across Raleigh, High Point, and Charlotte.
A Statewide Celebration of Art and Community
With more than 150 trolls worldwide, Dambo’s work draws millions of visitors each year. North Carolina’s installations are expected to do the same, creating new opportunities for tourism, civic pride, and local engagement. Past installations in cities like Detroit Lakes, MN, and Victor, CO, have increased foot traffic and supported small businesses-effects North Carolina communities hope to replicate.
In addition to the Piedmont trolls, a temporary exhibition, Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo, will open at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville on November 15, 2025, running through February 17, 2026. This exhibition features twelve interactive troll sculptures, offering another chance to explore Dambo’s work in a hands-on way.
Interested in volunteering or learning more about Thomas Dambo? CLICK HERE
