Museum of Danish America to Bring Thomas Dambo Troll to Iowa's Danish Villages - Museum of Danish America Skip to content Museum of Danish America to Bring Thomas Dambo Troll to Iowa’s Danish Villages March 20, 2026 Press Release Thomas Dambo Troll The Museum of Danish America’s mission is both simple and profound: to explore the stories of Danish immigration, the Danish-American experience, and the enduring connections between Denmark and the United States. Through exhibitions, programs, and events, the Museum preserves and celebrates the heritage, resilience, and cultural traditions carried across generations. Now, the Museum is bringing that mission to life in a new and imaginative way—by helping a troll “immigrate” to the Danish Villages. This large-scale sculpture, designed and built by world-renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo and his team, will be constructed from reclaimed wood and natural materials. More than a work of art, the troll represents creativity, sustainability, and storytelling—core elements that define both Danish culture and the Danish-American experience. “This project transforms our mission into something visitors can see, touch, and experience,” said Erik Andersen, Executive Director of the Museum of Danish America. “It connects the past and present in a way that is playful, meaningful, and deeply rooted in our shared heritage.” The troll’s arrival continues a tradition of bold, community-driven vision in the Danish Villages. Fifty years ago, local resident Harvey Sornson led an ambitious effort to bring an authentic Danish windmill from Nørre Snede, Denmark, to Elk Horn. That grassroots, community-funded effort helped shape the region into a cultural destination and ultimately influenced the decision to locate the Museum of Danish America there in 1983. Today, the community is once again coming together to create something extraordinary. Slated for construction in April 2026, the troll installation will coincide with major celebrations, including the Danish Windmill’s 50th anniversary, Tivoli Fest, and the opening of Vikingmania! , the Museum’s largest interactive exhibition to date. Once completed, the sculpture will join a global network of Dambo’s trolls—hidden in forests, parks, and cultural destinations around the world—drawing visitors eager to discover and experience his work. Beyond its visual impact, the project is designed as a hands-on educational experience. Students and community members will participate directly in the build through partnerships with regional schools, including shop, art, media, and STEM programs. Workshops, volunteer opportunities, and interpretive displays will highlight sustainability, structural engineering, and the creative reuse of materials. “The troll will be more than a destination—it will be a living classroom,” Andersen said. “Participants will gain real-world skills, hands-on learning opportunities, and a deeper understanding of sustainability and design.” The Museum is inviting support from across the country to help bring the project to life. Contributions, volunteer efforts, and community partnerships will play a role in transforming this vision into a lasting cultural landmark. “Every landmark in the Danish Villages began as someone’s big idea,” Andersen said. “This project continues that legacy—building something that will inspire curiosity, connection, and wonder for generations to come.”