Grand Rapids to Host 12 Giant Troll Sculptures in 2027
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will host an exhibition of giant sculptures created by Thomas Dambo.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Fine Art
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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is set to host an exhibition titled TROLLS: A Field Study beginning May 14, 2027. The display will feature 12 giant sculptures created by artist Thomas Dambo using reclaimed materials.
Why it matters
The exhibition aims to inspire visitors to appreciate nature while emphasizing the importance of recycling and reducing environmental impact. These sculptures, crafted from items like wooden pallets and twigs, serve as a bridge between art and ecological awareness.
Artist Thomas Dambo has installed over 170 giant trolls across the United States. His previous work includes the 30-foot-long, 14-foot-high Benny the Beard Fisher troll, which has been part of Michigan installations since 2023.
The players
Thomas Dambo
A renowned artist known for creating large-scale sculpture installations using exclusively reclaimed and recycled materials.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
A prominent botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Macatawa Bank
The financial institution serving as the presenting sponsor for the upcoming sculpture exhibition.
The details
The exhibition, presented by Macatawa Bank, includes a companion book that chronicles adventures from the perspective of the trolls. Visitors will encounter works made entirely from reclaimed branches, wooden pallets, and twigs scattered throughout the grounds.
Timeline
July 2023: Benny the Beard Fisher troll was installed in Michigan.
May 14, 2027: The TROLLS: A Field Study exhibition opens to the public.
October 31, 2027: The exhibition concludes its run at the park.
Industry Dynamics
The Grand Rapids installation marks a significant expansion of Thomas Dambo's global troll project, which currently spans 17 countries. This exhibition continues the growing trend of utilizing outdoor sculpture parks to drive public engagement through large-scale, environmentally conscious art.
Visitors can access the temporary exhibition as part of their experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Accessing the installation will allow guests to interact with the sculptures while utilizing the provided field study book to guide their tour.
The takeaway
This exhibition highlights how reclaimed materials can be transformed into significant works of public art. Visitors can learn about environmental stewardship by observing how everyday waste is repurposed to create large-scale installations.
What happens next
The exhibition will open to the public on May 14, 2027, and remain on display through October 31, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural events on the Fine Art page.
More information
Find additional exhibition information and details on the official park website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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