Asheville Troll Exhibit Generated $6.3 Million
The North Carolina Arboretum saw record attendance during the popular sculpture exhibition.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Cultural
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The Thomas Dambo Trolls exhibit at the North Carolina Arboretum drew over 150,000 visitors between November 15, 2025, and February 17, 2026. The display of twelve interactive sculptures spurred $6.3 million in local tourism spending.
Why it matters
The exhibit proved to be a significant economic driver for Asheville, pushing the North Carolina Arboretum to reach the highest attendance figures in its 40-year history.
A report commissioned for Explore Asheville found that the 12-sculpture exhibit hosted 150,000 guests who generated $6.3 million. This total includes $2.6 million for food and drinks, $1 million each for lodging and retail, $900,000 for entertainment, and $670,000 for transport.
The players
North Carolina Arboretum
This public garden and educational institution is located in Asheville and celebrates 40 years of operation.
Thomas Dambo
He is an artist known for creating large-scale interactive troll sculptures made from recycled materials.
Explore Asheville
This tourism organization promotes the city and commissioned the report analyzing visitor spending.
The details
The interactive troll sculptures were placed strategically throughout the North Carolina Arboretum to guide thousands of visitors across the grounds. Analysis shows that these guests traveled to the city from every state in the U.S. and multiple territories.
Timeline
The troll exhibit was open to the public from Nov 15, 2025, to Feb 17, 2026.
The spending impact report was officially released on Sept 30, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Public gardens are increasingly using immersive art installations to drive tourism and broaden their demographic appeal. This exhibition marks a departure from the 40-year attendance record of the North Carolina Arboretum by setting a new peak.
The massive influx of 150,000 visitors meant that peak times at the arboretum required advanced planning and patience for parking and trail navigation. Travelers looking for future similar events should monitor institutional calendars to secure reservations during high-demand windows.
The takeaway
Public art can serve as a massive catalyst for regional economic growth when integrated successfully into local natural landmarks. Communities looking to boost tourism should consider temporary, highly interactive exhibits that encourage extended stays at local businesses.
Further reading
Learn more about the local art scene by visiting the Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
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