With summer coming soon, you may be looking for a fun trip to go on, and this exhibition in the Adirondacks would make the perfect spot for all ages.
Located on the property of The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, the “TROLLS: Save the Humans” exhibition features six giant troll sculptures, which artist Thomas Dambo, of Denmark, built from reclaimed materials, according to the center’s website. The sculptures will be transported by tractor trailers to the center and subsequently assembled by a team on site, according to The Wild Center.
The folklore-inspired trolls “come to teach humans to rediscover nature and inspire them to be good stewards of the Earth,” the website says, as the goal of the exhibition is to “inspire visitors to explore themes such as recycling and reusing trash, the importance of plants and gardens, art, and more.”
This exhibition is one of several across the world, as Dambo has been creating these troll sculptures since 2014, according to his website. The sculptures, which are normally situated in forests or public spaces, have taken residence throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Since 2014, Dambo has created over 100 giant troll sculptures, all of which “blend folklore, environmentalism, and community participation,” according to his website.
There are no sculptures that permanently reside in New York, however Dambo’s interactive troll map shows the nearest permanent troll sculpture sits in Hainesport, New Jersey, and has been there since 2023.
The Tupper Lake exhibition opens in June and will run through October 2026. If you’re interested in taking the trip, here’s what to know about the exhibit and what to know about each of the trolls.
What to know about the ‘TROLLS: Save the Humans’ exhibition
According to The Wild Center website, here are the names and themes of each of the trolls:
Basse Buller – The Painting Troll
Ibbi Pip – The Birdhouse Troll
Kamma Can – The Treasure Troll
Ronja Redeye – The Speaker Troll
Rosa Sunfinger – The Botanical Troll
Sofus Lotus – The Listening Troll
What to know about artist Thomas Dambo
Considered “the world’s leading recycle artist,” according to The Wild Center website, Dambo’s vision is to “create art that inspires people to go explore, have adventures in nature, and demonstrates that trash can be turned into something beautiful.”
Dambo has created various recycled art installations, including gardens from recycled plastics and a functioning Christmas market from commercial refuse, according to the website, and is known internationally for his troll sculptures.
Dambo has more than 100 troll sculptures across the world, all made from recycled wood.
When the ‘TROLLS: Save the Humans’ exhibition opens in Tupper Lake
The exhibition opens on June 1 and runs through Oct. 31. It is featured at The Wild Center, located at 45 Museum Drive in Tupper Lake. The Wild Center is about four hours from Binghamton.
The exhibition is included in the cost of general admission to The Wild Center. General admission is $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and military members and $15 for children 5 and older.
Tickets can be purchased online on The Wild Center website.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Plan a summer visit to see these giant trolls while they’re in NY
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
