Pacific Northwest nature lovers and art enthusiasts have a monumental experience arriving in Pierce County this autumn. Beginning October 15, 12 giant wooden troll sculptures created by world-renowned Danish recycled-art artist Thomas Dambo will make their temporary home across two premier Tacoma-area parks: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville. Titled “TROLLS: A Field Study,” this traveling exhibition marks the first time this specific collection of Dambo’s roaming giants has visited the Pacific Northwest, offering families a whimsical fall adventure through January 24.
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is celebrated internationally for transforming salvaged materials such as wooden shipping pallets, fallen branches, reclaimed timber, and discarded shingles into towering, whimsical folklore creatures. Each sculpture in “TROLLS: A Field Study” tells a story centered around environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and human interaction with nature. For instance, one featured troll named Poppi stands near Point Defiance Zoo’s muskoxen habitat, gathering small objects left behind by humans to study our relationship with single-use items.
The 12 giant trolls are strategically placed across both partner locations to encourage visitors to explore lush forest trails, botanical grounds, and wildlife habitats. Four of the trolls reside within the gardens and animal habitats of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, while the remaining eight trolls roam along the forested walking paths of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville. This temporary exhibit complements the six permanent Dambo trolls previously installed across the broader Puget Sound region in 2023.
Access to the troll exhibit is completely included with standard general admission or park membership at both Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Additionally, parking is free at both facilities. Because all 12 trolls are positioned along paved or well-maintained pathways, the exhibit is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Organizers recommend reserving tickets online in advance at TrollTrek.org to secure entry times during peak fall weekend dates.
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