Wander Together

Explore Art, Nature, and Imagination at Filoli

Through November 10

This summer, discover a unique blend of art, nature, and storytelling at Filoli with TROLLS: Save the Humans – a captivating outdoor exhibition by renowned artist Thomas Dambo. Featuring six larger-than-life sculptures crafted from reclaimed materials, these whimsical trolls inspire reflection on sustainability and our relationship with the natural world.

Set along Filoli’s scenic trails in the Natural Lands, the exhibition offers an enriching experience perfect for a leisurely walk. Whether you’re drawn to the art, the landscape, or simply a day of discovery, Filoli offers the ideal setting to explore, learn and unwind.

Summer Nights Tickets*

Access to the TROLLS: Save the Humans exhibit is included in both General Admission and Member Admission tickets.

*Experience exclusive after-hours access to Trolls during Summer Nights—one ticket, two unforgettable programs!

Meet the Trolls!

Basse Buller

The Painting Troll

Basse Buller is the wild one. Inspired by the nature he lives in, he makes his marks with stones, leaves, sticks, or anything that he can find enough of. He is funny, loud, and gets his muddy paint everywhere in an effort to lead the humans onto the right path.

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Ibbi Pip

The Birdhouse Troll

Ibbi Pip is handy, optimistic, and a friend of all animals. Ibbi has seen how humans build little houses to bring the birds closer to them. So she puts up colorful birdhouses everywhere in the hope that the humans will think more about whom they share the world with.

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Kamma Can

The Treasure Troll

Kamma Can is a creator. Where humans see trash, she sees potential. She doesn’t understand why the humans just throw it away and leave it in the weirdest places. Being a creative spirit, she can think of a million ways to make nice things with all those beautiful colors.

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Ronja Redeye

The Speaker Troll

Ronja speaks from her heart and is really good with words. Although she is the smallest of the group that wants to save the humans, she is a natural leader. Her mouth picks rhymes like flowers from a field and shapes them into a poem, a song, a tale, or a cheerful roaring through the forest.

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Rosa Sunfinger

The Botanical Troll

Rosa is a soft, introverted troll who cares for plants and other green creatures with her life-giving fingers. She brings back life where humans have abandoned it. She spreads her wisdom by showing how plants can make even the most useless items come back to life.

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Sofus Lotus

The Listening Troll

Sofus Lotus pays great attention to the little things. He uses his ears to hear every little crackle, thud, and buzz. He was the first one to notice that something was wrong with the world and that nature was changing its rhythm.

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Which Troll Are You?

Before you come meet the Trolls, take this quick personality quiz to find out which Troll you are most similar to! Once you get your result, click on your match above and learn more about your kindred troll spirit.

Take the Quiz

About Thomas Dambo

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. Previously, Thomas has 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 drives the creation of highly interactive experiences, allowing users to express their own individuality on a large scale. From 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 over 100 sculptures all over the world, these Trolls have begun to have a life of their own.

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.

Trolls Programs & Events

Transforming Trash

June 22, July 9, August 10, & September 10, 2025
11am–2pm

Turn trash into treasure! Drop by for hands-on art activities inspired by TROLLS: Save the Humans, where recycled materials become bold, imaginative creations. Just like the Trolls, we’ll reimagine discarded things into beautiful art. You can craft bold symbols like Basse Buller, build with “eternity materials” like Kamma Can, or design colorful birdhouses like Ibbi Pip. Let the Trolls inspire your creativity!

Cost: Free with General Admission; no registration required

Big Bay Laurel at left above hikers on the estate trail, families, all ages.

Family Nature Weekend

July 12 & 13, 2025
Saturday & Sunday | 10am–5pm

Reconnect with the outdoors and one another at Filoli’s Family Nature Weekend! Discover how nature brings us together with hands-on crafts, eco-friendly fun, and outdoor exploration inspired by the message of TROLLS: Save the Humans. Every station—from storytelling to sustainable art—sparks creativity, curiosity, and connection with the planet.

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Children's Corner

Families & kids alike can explore Filoli's Natural Lands to meet the Trolls and immerse themselves in nature through unique experiences and activities that's sure to spark creativity and wonder! Check out some of our Trolls-inspired experiences below and don't miss out on family-friendly summer adventures!

Nature Playspace

This immersive and creative environment inspires curiosity, hands-on exploration, and fun in a natural, sustainable setting. Designed for children to engage in imaginative play, this area includes a loose parts play space, a pretend play area, and a winding pathway with tunnels, logs, and maze-like features to explore.

Nature Playspace is sponsored by US Bank Private Wealth Management.

Secret Scribble Book

The Trolls are communicating a special message to you. Most adults only see scribbles, but kids can read the Troll's secret alphabet to decode what they are telling the humans. Before your adventure starts, make sure to ask a Filoli staff member for a Trolls Secret Scribble Book to learn how to read the Trolls' alphabet!

Trolls Map

Navigate through the Natural Lands with our new Troll map! You’ll know exactly who you’re meeting and can plan for what will surely be a trip to remember.