Thomas Dambo trolls invite family exploration at NC Arboretum

A traveling installation of interactive sculptures by Thomas Dambo has settled into The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, offering a family-oriented art walk that doubles as an environmental lesson. Trolls: A Field Study places a dozen reclaimed-wood "baby" trolls across the Arboretum’s gardens and trails, accompanied by a treasure-map-style guide that encourages visitors to seek out the figures and explore lesser-used paths.

The exhibit is on site through mid-February 2026 and is designed around recycled-material sculpture and outdoor discovery. Admission to the installation is included with the Arboretum parking fee; Arboretum members park free. That pricing structure effectively makes parking the portal to the show, a detail with practical and policy implications for local access and equity.

For Buncombe County residents, the exhibit is both cultural amenity and civic question. On the one hand, the Arboretum is leveraging an accessible, walkable format to connect families with sustainability themes and hands-on learning outside traditional museum walls. The treasure-map-style guide turns a routine hike into a scavenger hunt and may increase use of trails and gardens that see less foot traffic during winter months. On the other hand, tying admission to a parking fee frames access around private transportation and membership status, which can influence who feels able to participate.

Local officials and civic groups monitor how public-facing institutions balance revenue models and community access. The Arboretum’s approach of including the exhibit with the parking fee and offering free parking to members encourages membership and repeat visitation, but it also raises questions about barriers for residents without cars or with limited discretionary funds. The exhibit’s environmental themes present an opportunity for cross-sector programming with schools, libraries, and neighborhood groups to broaden participation beyond those who can visit by vehicle.

The presence of Dambo’s recycled sculptures also has operational consequences for the Arboretum. Increased family visitation can boost local tourism and spillover spending in Asheville businesses, but it can also increase wear on trails and require adjustments in staffing for visitor services and conservation protection. Visitors should expect an outdoor, exploratory experience that asks them to move through gardens and trails rather than stay in a single gallery space.

The takeaway? If you plan to see the trolls, treat it like a Blue Ridge day trip: dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and allow time to wander. Consider Arboretum membership if you expect to visit more than once, and think about carpooling or coordinating group visits to reduce parking pressure. Our two cents? The show is a smart mix of art and ecology, but civic leaders and the Arboretum should keep talking about access so this kind of public art serves all of Buncombe County.