Artist Thomas Dambo
~ Discover California’s First Indoor Troll ~
In a tall tower in a fairytale town, a giant troll is waiting for you to visit. Meet Solvang’s most magical new resident, Lulu Hyggelig.
This massive sculpture made from reclaimed wood was built by artist Thomas Dambo. He has made over 150 trolls around the world. Lulu lives in Solvang’s California Nature Art Museum. Here’s everything you need to know to visit her.
Who Is Thomas Dambo?
Thomas Dambo is a world-renowned artist who works specifically with recycled materials for his larger-than-life creations. He is also Danish, a fortuitous fit for the community of Solvang, known as the Danish Capital of America.
The California Nature Art Museum is dedicated exclusively to showcasing artwork that inspires stewardship of nature. So when the museum reached out to Dambo about bringing his first troll to California, the whims of fate aligned.
The Story Behind the Troll
Behind each of his trolls, Dambo writes a poem that tells their tale. Lulu’s story starts like this:
This story has a history that starts before the past.
A tiny troll from far away, she swam the ocean vast.
She found a cozy city and took shelter in a tower,
On a street that smelled of Danish pastries, yeast and flour.
You’ll have to go see her in person to read the rest of the story. You’ll learn how a tiny troll grew so large that she couldn’t fit out the door. Solvang’s beloved local pastries have a little something to do with it!
Building the Solvang Troll
As with all of Dambo’s troll sculptures, the materials for Lulu were locally sourced. The museum and Dambo put out a call for leftover wine barrels, shipping pallets and even yard and tree waste. The community kicked in plenty of wood, and twigs now make up Lulu’s hair.
Dambo’s crew of volunteers also got in on the building fun during Lulu’s installation in the museum tower. This is Dambo’s first indoor creation. Dambo lets his troll sculptures degrade naturally, so some last only a few years depending on the location. Lulu will likely last 10 years or possibly much longer since she’s indoors.
Visiting the Troll – What to Know
Viewing is now open to visit Lulu at the California Nature Art Museum. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. On weekends, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. General admission is just $5, or free for members, active military and children age 17 and younger.
A few insider tips for your visit:
- Notice the little details: Lulu’s massive size can be overwhelming. But the real magic is found in her small details, like her twiggy hair and giant eyebrow piercing. Be sure to check out her illustrated story on the wall, too, and her giant pastry.
- Try photos on the wide angle setting: Lulu is designed to look so large that she can barely fit in the room. That feels great in the moment while you visit, but it’s tough to capture in your photo frame! We suggest your photographer gets down low and tries the wide-angle setting for a dramatic shot.
- Don’t skip the rest of the museum: The California Nature Art Museum has a beautiful rotating collection. Your admission gets you into the whole museum, so be sure to see the other exhibits while you’re there.
Plan Your Solvang “Lulu” Troll Visit!
Thousands of visitors have been to see Lulu since she arrived in Solvang in February 2025. Plan your visit soon, and be sure to check out all the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer.
