Pennsylvania
Giant troll sculptures will lurk in Pa. national forest
Here’s why Thomas Dambo uses trolls to spread a conservation message
Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo explains how his trolls help spread the message of protecting the planet.
- Danish artist Thomas Dambo will install three giant troll sculptures in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest in 2027.
- The “Trolls in the Forest” sculptures are hand-built entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials like scrap wood.
- These art installations are a global phenomenon, drawing tourism and boosting local economies in 20 countries.
A world-class public art experience by a Danish artist is coming to a Pennsylvania national forest in September of 2027, and he’s bringing his giant troll sculptures with him.
Artist Thomas Dambo has created multiple hand-built sculptures known as “Trolls in the Forest.” They generate visitors and revenue in each of the 20 countries where they have been placed.
Here’s more on what to know about these sculptures and what makes them so popular.
What is ‘Trolls in the Forest’?
“Trolls in the Forest” is an ambitious art project that features hand-built troll sculptures that can stretch as high as 40 feet.
These sculptures are made entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials that blend art, nature, sustainability and storytelling. The trolls have proved to drive tourism and aid economic growth and national attention because of their popularity.
The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau states that these trolls are built on site with the help of communities. This help provides volunteers the opportunity to assemble the bodies and limbs of the trolls which then creates a sense of ownership over the trolls.
A single troll in Wisconsin has already generated more than 62,000 visitors in 30 days with an estimated $4 million in economic impact, according to the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.
Where will the three troll sculptures be located in PA?
If you make the trip over to the Allegheny National Forest in 2027, the Trolls in the Forest will be featured in three locations spanning from the northern to southern end of McKean County.
The plan is for the trolls to be installed in Kane, Bradford and a central third location.
Who is Thomas Dambo?
Dambo was born in Odense, Denmark in 1979. He grew up indulging in the street arts including hip-hop and graffiti which led him to pursue a Master’s Degree in interaction design at Kolding School of Design in 2012.
After earning his master’s degree, Dambo began experimenting with large-scale installations while using recycled wood materials which eventually became the trolls in 2016.
With more than 170 trolls already installed in 20 countries and 21 states, Dambo’s work has become an international sensation.
In the other areas that host Dambo’s installations, the destinations have reportedly experienced what is known as the “Dambo effect.”
Simply put, these creations have sparked growth across the nation drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors
What recycled materials are trolls built from?
Dambo creates these giant sculptures from recycled and reclaimed wood that often includes pallets, floorboards, fallen trees and other scrap.
Learn more about “Trolls in the Forest” at the Allegheny National Forest website.
Nicholas Sorensen can be contacted at Nsorensen@usatodayco.com.