News Summary
The North Carolina Arboretum is launching a new exhibit, ‘Trolls: A Field Study,’ featuring 12 giant wooden troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo. Ranging from 7 to 9 feet tall and made from eco-friendly materials, the trolls will be displayed throughout the arboretum’s gardens and trails from November to February. The exhibit aims to engage visitors in exploring the relationship between humans and nature, featuring treasure maps and educational programming. It will also be part of the Winter Lights show, promoting environmental awareness and enhancing local tourism.
Asheville, North Carolina – The North Carolina Arboretum is set to unveil an exciting new exhibit titled “Trolls: A Field Study,” in collaboration with Explore Asheville. This unique art installation will feature 12 giant wooden sculptures crafted by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo, with the exhibit running from Saturday, November 15, 2025, through Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The sculptures, each standing between 7 and 9 feet tall, are made from environmentally friendly materials such as fallen branches, wooden pallets, and twigs. These trolls will be strategically placed throughout the arboretum’s gardens and along its scenic trails, offering a whimsical experience for visitors.
“Trolls: A Field Study” aims to guide visitors on a curious journey while encouraging them to reflect on humankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit has been designed to not only delight guests but also to provide educational insights, with additional programming planned for local artists to engage with the displays.
Six of the giant troll sculptures will be included in the arboretum’s Winter Lights show, available for viewing from November 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This decision to showcase the trolls during the popular holiday event is expected to draw increased winter tourism to the area, as visitors gather to experience both the art installation and the festive light displays.
To enhance visitor engagement, treasure maps will be provided, allowing guests to track the locations of the troll sculptures throughout the arboretum. In addition, an accompanying book will share various stories and lessons learned from the trolls’ unique perspectives, offering a deeper understanding of human nature and our connections to the environment.
This exhibit marks the first time Dambo’s trolls will be showcased in North America, adding a significant cultural attraction to Asheville. The trolls, known for their playful designs and use of recycled materials, have gained recognition worldwide, attracting a dedicated following of fans known as “Troll Hunters.” Through these exhibits, Dambo aims to emphasize the importance of sustainability, stating that we should not discard materials but instead find ways to incorporate them into art that speaks for the world around us.
Georgia-based Imagine Exhibitions is the producer behind this interactive installation, drawing on their experience in creating engaging and educational exhibits that inspire creativity and curiosity among audiences of all ages. The central theme of the exhibit focuses on the need to find beauty and value in discarded materials, encouraging visitors to reflect on environmental issues and their impact on the planet.
The North Carolina Arboretum, situated in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, has long been a hub for botanical education and nature-based art. The partnership with Explore Asheville and Imagine Exhibitions is set to enhance its reputation as a center for artistic and horticultural exploration, with “Trolls: A Field Study” serving as a highlight in the upcoming winter season.
As the exhibit approaches, the arboretum anticipates increased interest and attendance, making it an exciting seasonal destination for both locals and tourists. Through this innovative installation, the North Carolina Arboretum is not only promoting environmental awareness but also fostering a sense of community and connection to nature.
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Additional Resources
- Mountain Xpress
- WLOS
- AVL Today
- Smoky Mountain News
- Wikipedia: Art exhibition
- Google Search: North Carolina Arboretum
- Google Scholar: Environmental art
- Google News: Trolls exhibit Asheville
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
