Trolls Are Coming to Town: Memphis Botanic Garden’s Magical New Exhibit!

Get ready, Memphis! Starting February 1, 2025, the Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) will transform into a fantastical world where folklore meets sustainability. Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans, presented by International Paper, brings six larger-than-life troll sculptures made entirely from reclaimed materials to the heart of our city. This whimsical outdoor art exhibition celebrates creativity, community, and the environment.

A man stands smiling in front of a large wooden troll sculpture, perfectly nestled among the trees. A small red car peeks out beside him, adding a splash of color to the enchanting scene.
Thomas Dambo, the creator of TROLLS: Save the Humans, with one of his creatures.

Meet the Trolls—Your New Favorite Memphians (Sorry, Grizzlies)

Each troll in Dambo’s installation tells its own story, blending quirky personalities with powerful messages about our connection to the earth. Here’s a quick intro to your soon-to-be leafy besties:

Ronja Redeye

A fearless leader with a booming voice, Ronja knows the power of words to inspire and uplift.

Large wooden troll sculpture surrounded by green foliage, holding a spiraled flag.

Rosa Sunfinger

A green-thumbed introvert who shows us how to breathe life into the discarded.

People taking photos of a large wooden monkey sculpture interacting with a small red car, set amidst lush greenery.

Kamma Can

The queen of upcycling, proving that “trash” is just untapped potential.

A large wooden sculpture of a troll sits outdoors, decorated with colorful garlands in its hands, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

Sofus Lotus 

A mindful soul who sensed nature’s distress and inspires us to listen closely.

Two people sit smiling on a large wooden panda sculpture in a wooded park area.

Ibbi Pip

A colorful birdhouse builder who connects humanity and wildlife through creativity.

Wooden giant sculpture holding a red object, surrounded by leafless trees under a blue sky.

Basse Buller

A wild child with a flair for expressing himself through symbols and shapes from nature.

Large wooden sculpture of a seated troll in a forest with people walking nearby.

Each troll has a mission: to help us humans reconnect with the planet and discover the beauty in reusing what we might otherwise discard. Through these massive wooden sculptures, Dambo blends his Danish heritage, storytelling prowess, and a call to environmental action.

Why This Matters to Memphis

Memphis is a place where creativity thrives, community flourishes, and new ideas take root. This exhibit aligns perfectly with the Memphis vibe by spotlighting art, innovation, and sustainability. It’s also a fantastic reminder to embrace the beauty of what’s already around us, especially in a world that feels more disposable than ever.

Not to mention, MBG isn’t new to hosting jaw-dropping events that make us proud to call Memphis home. From drawing over 260,000 visitors annually to providing environmental education to 40,000 kids, MBG continues to plant seeds of change in our community.

This exhibit gives us all—young and old—a reason to head outdoors, explore, and be inspired to take small, meaningful steps to care for our city and planet.

Your Troll-Filled Itinerary

MBG has curated an awesome lineup of events. Here are a few can’t-miss highlights:

  • February 15: Help Ibbi Pip count birds and connect with Memphis wildlife during The Great Backyard Bird Count.
  • March 8: Trolls & Trowels: A family-friendly play day packed with activities.
  • April 5: Troll Fest takes over the Garden with music, games, and more.
  • May 2: Grown-ups get their turn with the Troll Garden Party (21+).

The exhibit wraps up on May 21, so mark your calendar and don’t miss your chance to meet these legendary creatures.

How to Get In on the Action

Admission to TROLLS: Save the Humans is included with your Garden ticket: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for kids ages 2–12, and free for littles under 2. If you’re an MBG member, you’re in luck—your membership gets you unlimited free access to the exhibition.

Pro tip: Start planning your visit now and snag tickets for the special workshops and events, as some require advance registration.

A large wooden sculpture of a creature resembling a troll standing in a wooded area, holding a small house in one hand.

Let’s Make Memphis Greener, Together

Beyond the jaw-dropping spectacle, Dambo’s trolls challenge us to rethink our habits. What if we reused more, wasted less, and found joy in the process? This exhibit is a fun and approachable way to start those conversations with your kids, your neighbors, or even yourself.

Let’s show the trolls—and each other—that Memphis is up for the challenge. By embracing their mission to “save the humans,” we’re choosing a brighter, greener future for the 901.

For more info and updates, visit membg.org/trolls. Tag us in your troll selfies with #Choose901 and let’s show the world what Memphis has to offer! 🌱

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