Art, Nature, and a Giant Dose of Trolls

All in a Day at Filoli

Through November 10

Looking for your next great day trip? TROLLS: Save the Humans is taking over Filoli this summer with a larger-than-life outdoor exhibition that’s perfect for a fun, easy getaway. Featuring six massive, whimsical troll sculptures by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo – crafted entirely from reclaimed materials – this experience blends art, nature, and storytelling into one unforgettable adventure.

Wander through Filoli’s scenic trails, where each towering troll adds a touch of magic to your day. Whether you’re snapping selfies with your favorite troll, enjoying the peaceful hikes, or just looking for a fresh way to spend time with friends, this adventure checks all the boxes. It’s a perfect mix of nature, creativity, and laid-back fun, all coming together to create a memorable escape!

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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Sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From protecting the environment to conserving natural resources, we’re committed to fostering a shared sense of environmental responsibility. Together, we strive to honor and preserve the natural beauty of our Historic Estate for future generations, while making it easy for guests to get involved.

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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.

Trolls Map (PDF)

Shop & Dine

Take a break from your adventure to indulge in some shopping and dining! After working up an appetite, take some time to enjoy the offerings of the Quail’s Nest Café. Follow that with some shopping at the Clock Tower Shop and Trailhead Store to find the perfect unique gift or souvenir!

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Trailhead Store

Opened in June 2025 alongside the Trolls exhibit, the Trailhead Store made its debut as the new destination nestled in the redwoods. The store offers trail snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and hiking essentials, plus a scenic deck for relaxation after exploring the Trolls trail.