Thomas Dambo's TROLLS: Save the Humans
Arriving February 2025
February 1 through May 21, 2025
Have you heard the BIG news?! Trolls are coming to the Garden to help save the humans. At the great “Trolliefolkyfest” in a secret place, six young trolls made a pact to band together and help save the humans by rediscovering nature and teaching us how to live in harmony with the earth. They recognized the hope within each of us to take action and make positive changes toward a greater future. From the communicator Ronja Redeye to rebel Basse Bueller and Ibbi Pip the optimist, these gentle giants are here to save the humans. Lean into the lore that this larger-than-life fairytale brings to the Garden this spring as art, nature, and messages of sustainability intertwine in this unique outdoor exhibition.
About the Artist
Thomas Dambo is considered the world’s leading recycle artist, having been taught from a young age the value of recycling, sustainability, and unlimited imagination. Before embarking on the path of building larger-than-life sculptures, Thomas led a multifaceted life that allowed him to express his creativity via music, street art, and scenic design. After graduating from the Kolding Design School with a master’s degree in interactive design, Thomas began his current journey of using recycled materials to create colorful art installations, building the foundation for his artwork today.
Thomas’ high level of creativity, design acumen and versatility drive the creation of highly interactive experiences, allowing users to express their own individuality on a large scale. This philosophy can be found in works such as his Happy Alphabet, Happy Wall and Future Forest. From vibrant gardens made of recycled plastics to a functioning Christmas market made from commercial refuse, Thomas creates experiences that are immersive, interactive, and awe-inspiring. Today, Thomas is known internationally for his larger-than-life Troll sculptures made from recycled wood. With 87 sculptures all over the world, these Trolls have begun to have a life of their own. Popping up in Denmark, USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea, Chile, and many more on the way, the message of sustainability and unlimited imagination have reached millions through in person visits, shared photos, and international media coverage.
Thomas’ 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.
Be a Part of Something BIG!
Help us bring this fairy tale to life at the Garden!
We have sponsorship opportunities for individuals, families, and businesses at all levels to help us bring a little magic, a lot of trolls, and just the right amount of impact on the community we all love.
Click Here to Become a Family and Business Sponsor.
Interested in learning more about different sponsorship levels? Contact Mary Helen Butler at 901-636-4116 or maryhelen.butler@membg.org to learn more.
Trolls: Save the Humans Know before you go
General admission to the Garden includes TROLLS: Save the Humans. Admission can be purchased at the front desk in our Visitors Center when you arrive for your visit. At this time, reservations or advanced purchase is not required for daily admission to the Garden.
For Non-Members, admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for children aged 2-12, and free for children under 2.
MBG Members enjoy free unlimited access to the exhibition by showing their membership card at the entry. Click to join!
Special events & programming may require a ticket. Please check our Things To Do Calendar for more details & upcoming events.
All of the trolls are located near an accessible pathway in the Garden.
We have a few push-chair wheelchairs that are available to guests. They are on a first-come, first-serve and are free of charge. Simply ask admission staff if one is available for use.
MBG Members will enjoy free unlimited access to the exhibition during normal daily admission hours by showing their membership card at the entry. Click to join!
See below for group rates.
There are no other discounts offered at this time.
There is a TROLLS: Save the Humans 90-minute school program available. Garden guides will lead them in hands-on lessons and activities focusing on native plants, recycling, sustainable living, and other earth-friendly themes.The program can be adapted for grades K-12 and is available between February 3 and May 21, 2025.
For more information or to book your field trip contact Kristen Zemaitis at 901-636-4126 or kristen.zemaitis@membg.org.
Fratelli’s Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am-2 pm. Click here to visit their website.
Please refer to individual event listings for food and beverage offerings at special events.
Please do not step in planted beds or on any plants.
Use caution around pond edges, and please no wading in the fountains.
Children must be supervised at all times.
Please use courtesy when taking photos, and do not block pathways.
Groups over 20 can receive $2 off per person. Please contact William Henry, Box Office Manager, for group ticket sales at william.henry@membg.org or 901-636-4107.
Parking and entry is through our Visitors Center.
Guests are welcome to take photographs and videos of the exhibition for personal use, however personal photo shoots, including engagement photos, wedding/bridal photos, and family portraits using any professional equipment must be scheduled in advance and requires a fee.
