Categories: ArtEvents/What's HappeningNatureNews

North Carolina Arboretum to Host Interactive Troll Exhibit

Large troll sculptures made from recycled materials at the North Carolina Arboretum

News Summary

The North Carolina Arboretum will unveil an interactive exhibit, ‘Trolls: A Field Study,’ featuring large-scale sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo. Opening in November, the exhibit showcases trolls made from recycled materials and includes interactive installations throughout the arboretum. Educational components aim to raise awareness about nature conservation and creativity through eco-friendly art, offering a family-friendly experience. The exhibit also coincides with the Winter Lights Show and represents a significant cultural milestone for Asheville.

Asheville – The North Carolina Arboretum has announced an exciting interactive exhibit titled “Trolls: A Field Study,” set to run from November 15, 2025, to February 17, 2026. This unique exhibition, created in collaboration with Explore Asheville, will feature twelve large-scale troll sculptures designed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The trolls, ranging in height from seven to nine feet, are crafted from an array of recycled materials, including wooden pallets, twigs, and fallen branches.

The exhibit will guide visitors on a whimsical journey with interactive installations placed throughout the arboretum, particularly in the Formal Gardens and along various trails. From the onset, the event aims to engage and educate visitors about humankind through the playful and eco-friendly art that Dambo refers to as “Baby Trolls.” As part of a larger initiative to promote environmental awareness, these sculptures highlight an innovative approach to art using repurposed materials.

Among the highlights of the exhibit, six of the sculptures will be featured in the arboretum’s “Winter Lights Show” between November 15, 2025, and January 4, 2026. Visitors will receive treasure maps to locate each unique troll, enhancing the exploratory aspects of the exhibit. An accompanying book will delve into the adventures and insights gained from the trolls’ perspective, adding another layer to the educational experience.

This exhibit marks a significant cultural milestone, as the North Carolina Arboretum becomes the first venue in North America to host Dambo’s internationally acclaimed sculptures, which have previously been displayed in countries such as China, Chile, and Australia. The trolls, each with distinct personalities, are designed not just to entertain but also to teach visitors about the importance of nature conservation and the creativity inherent in ecological art.

According to Drake Fowler, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Arboretum, the introduction of “Trolls: A Field Study” is anticipated to boost winter tourism in Asheville. The interactive nature of the exhibit aims to captivate individuals of all ages, providing a family-friendly environment where fun meets education.

Announced during a press conference on June 26, 2025, the exhibit embodies the integration of art and environmental education in public spaces. By fostering a greater appreciation for both nature and creativity, the arboretum seeks to enhance the cultural offerings available to the community during the winter months.

The collaboration with Explore Asheville is vital in promoting the event and drawing in tourists and locals alike to explore the arboretum’s natural beauty while interacting with art. The playful and accessory educational components of the exhibit encourage visitors to connect more deeply with the surroundings, pairing learning with leisure in a natural setting.

In summary, “Trolls: A Field Study” promises to be an enriching experience for everyone, inviting guests to engage with creative sculptures made from recycled materials while discovering the lessons imparted by these whimsical trolls along their journey throughout the arboretum.