Chasing Giants: Rediscovering the Magic of Thomas Dambo’s Trolls at Filoli
By Gloria Kimbwala
Last weekend, my son and I set out on a familiar adventure—but this time, it felt brand new. It was our third time visiting Thomas Dambo’s famous trolls, but our first time seeing them in their newest home: the stunning Filoli Historic House & Garden near San Jose.
Filoli’s natural lands are currently hosting “TROLLS: Save the Humans,” an immersive outdoor exhibition featuring six massive, recycled-wood sculptures tucked away across the estate’s grounds. The trolls, crafted by Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo, aren’t just whimsical—they carry a powerful message: to reconnect with nature and take responsibility for protecting it.
Hiking through Filoli’s oak woodlands, we searched for the trolls like explorers on a mythic quest. My son’s eyes lit up each time we spotted a massive wooden toe or a hand curled into the earth. The experience blended environmental art, storytelling, and the kind of curiosity that kids naturally bring to the outdoors.
For Sierra Club members looking for a family-friendly, eco-conscious day trip—this is a perfect fit. The trolls are built entirely from reclaimed materials, making them not just art, but living reminders of sustainability in action. Filoli itself, with its mix of historic architecture and native landscapes, is worth the visit on its own.
The trolls will be at Filoli from June 7 to November 10, 2025, giving you plenty of time to plan your own troll-tracking hike. Learn more and grab tickets at filoli.org/trolls.
Whether it’s your first time meeting these gentle giants or your third, Dambo’s trolls offer a fresh way to see the land—and our role in caring for it.
Let’s go find the magic hiding in plain sight. The trolls are waiting.