Nature’s Guardians:The Whimsical Wisdom of Thomas Dambo’s Trolls

As winter starts to fade away, Memphians are keeping their eyes peeled for any signs that spring is on its way. From daffodils peeking out of the ground to the bright yellow blooms of witch hazel, there are little surprises popping up all over the city. But this spring, if you visit the Memphis Botanic Garden, you’ll find some pretty BIG surprises too—TROLLS!

Thomas Dambo’s famous Trolls have arrived in Memphis for an exciting four-month-long exhibition! These gentle giants are here to greet visitors from February 1 through May 21. Known for his whimsical and environmentally-conscious art, Thomas Dambo has brought six towering trolls made from recycled pallets to the Garden, where they’ll stand tall as a testament to creativity and sustainability

Thomas Dambo, one of the world’s leading recycling artists, has created over 100 trolls in cities across the globe. His unique approach to art, using discarded materials to craft large-scale sculptures, sends a powerful message about living more sustainably and reducing waste.

Now, his trolls have traveled all the way from Denmark to Memphis to help educate us on how we can live in greater harmony with our planet. So, while you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of Memphis Botanic Garden in the spring, you’ll also get a chance to interact with these towering, yet friendly creatures that each have their own important lesson to share.

Meet the Trolls!

These six trolls are on a mission to help “save the humans.” They’ve noticed that we could all be doing a little better when it comes to taking care of the Earth, and they think they can teach us some valuable lessons. Each troll has their own unique personality, and they each have a special message to share with us:

Kamma Can is all about reducing, reusing, and recycling. She’ll show you simple ways to cut down on waste and make a big impact.

Sofus Lotus encourages us to slow down and appreciate the world around us. His message is about being mindful of how our choices affect nature and listening to what the Earth is telling us.

Rosa Sunfinger loves playing with plants, and she’s here to inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to gardening. She’s all about using unexpected items as creative planters.

Ibbi Pip is passionate about the birds and wildlife that share the garden with us. Her birdhouses remind us to think about all of the creatures that depend on our environment.

Basse Buller is the creative one, encouraging you to use nature as your own personal art supply. He believes the world around us is a canvas, and we can all add to its beauty.

Ronja Redeye wants you to know that your voice matters. She teaches us that if we all speak up for the Earth, we can make real change. Plus, she’ll help you learn the Troll-phabet so you can decode the trolls' secret messages hidden around the garden!
Each troll brings their own fun, creative twist on ways we can make a positive difference in the world.

Fun Events and Programming

The trolls won’t just be hanging around—there are lots of ways to get involved with them during their visit! There are special programs and events happening throughout their stay at the Garden, so you and your family can dig deeper into the trolls’ messages and have fun doing it.

Hop on the Troll Tram every Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for a fun, guided tour of the Garden, where you’ll meet each troll and hear more about what they’re teaching us.

In April & May, Troll Stroll Saturdays will feature a different troll each week with hands-on activities for everyone. It’s a fun way to dive deeper into their lessons and get creative!

Plan a special Troll Date Night (21+) with your favorite “troll mate” and enjoy a night of fun with nature and sustainability at its core this May.

On April 5, Trollfest will be an exciting event where you can meet local environmental groups and learn how you can continue the trolls’ work after they leave Memphis. It’s a great way to see how you can help make a difference!

There are lots of opportunities to explore the connection between art, nature, and sustainability in a way that’s fun and interactive. Memphians have always been passionate about making our city better, and these trolls are here to help us do just that! So come visit the Memphis Botanic Garden this spring to meet these larger-than-life characters, enjoy the blooming beauty of the Garden, and learn how we can all work together to protect our planet. The trolls are here until May 21, so don’t miss your chance to meet them before they head home!

Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans is presented by International Paper and produced by Imagine. Learn more at membg.org/trolls