ASHEVILLE – A group of trolls will soon take over the trails and gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum. They’re friendlier than the ones you might find online.
The 434-acre arboretum opened “Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo” on Nov. 15, bringing a dozen of the Danish artist’s famed trolls made of recycled materials to Western North Carolina. Six will be in the arboretum’s gardens and six will be among its trails. The exhibit will run until Feb. 17, 2026.
It’s the first time “Trolls: A Field Study” has opened in the United States, though Dambo has unveiled other trolls across the nation and even in North Carolina. The exhibit is expected to draw thousands of visitors — commonly referred to as “Troll Hunters” — to the region as the arboretum also launches its annual seasonal event, the Winter Lights, on Nov. 15. While viewing the trolls is included in a regular parking fee for visiting the arboretum, the Winter Lights is a ticketed event, with pricing starting at $45…