Thomas Dambo Troll at MoDA
The Museum of Danish America is pursuing an ambitious new attraction: a towering, lumbering troll sculpture by world-renowned recycle artist Thomas Dambo.
The troll installation on the Museum’s campus joins a global network of Dambo’s whimsical giants, which are constructed from reclaimed wood and hidden in forests, parks, and cultural destinations around the world. The sculptures have become popular travel destinations, drawing visitors eager to discover and photograph the imaginative works.
This project celebrates our Danish heritage while giving people a compelling new reason to experience the Museum and the Danish Villages. It continues the tradition of bold ideas that have shaped our community for generations.
Building on the impossible
Fifty years ago, an Elk Horn resident had what many considered an impossible idea. Harvey Sornson dreamed of bringing an authentic Danish windmill to our small community. With the help of neighbors, volunteers, and donors, the town imported a historic windmill from Nørre Snede, Denmark, and reconstructed it in Iowa. That was only the beginning.
Just a few years later, in 1983, the Museum of Danish America opened its doors, preserving and sharing the stories, traditions, and enduring spirit of Danish Americans for generations to come.
Now, the Danish Villages have once again imagined something extraordinary—a giant wooden troll that could become the region’s next cultural landmark.
Troll Timeline
Phases
Sponsorship
We recognize the value of every gift and are grateful for contributions of any size.
The following naming opportunities are available for large donations.
Sponsorship levels:
- $100,000 – Legend Sponsor – lead recognition in project materials, signage, and the opening celebration
- $50,000 – Folklore Sponsor – prominent recognition on site and in promotional materials
- $25,000 – Fairy Tale Sponsor – recognition as a founding supporter of the project
This project
- inspires pride in our young people
- strengthens community identity
- draws visitors from across the country
- encourages collaboration across generations
- reminds us that bold dreams are possible
Get involved!
This project is about more than building a sculpture—it’s about building something together. We’re inviting community members, supporters, and friends of the Museum of Danish America to help bring this vision to life.
There are many ways to participate: volunteer your time, help spread the word, support the project through a donation, or become part of the team helping us plan and coordinate this exciting endeavor. Together, we can create something truly special—an experience that will inspire our community and welcome visitors discovering the Museum and the Danish Villages for years to come.
Community
This project is designed to actively involve the community at every stage. Developing from a standalone structure into a community achievement, we are creating community buy-in and strengthening our local economy through tourism efforts.
Outreach
This project brings sustainability, education, art, and engineering to life by engaging local schools and youth through hands-on workshops, high school shop, art, media, and STEM classes. Participants gain transferable skills, unique experiences, and resume-ready achievements, while the project becomes a vibrant, lasting community asset.
Events
To coincide with the troll installation, we plan to host the following events!
- Construction: April 6 – 24
- Artist Talk: April 23 | 7 – 9 pm
- Midnight at MoDA: April 23 | 9 pm
Events are subject to change. Please refer to our website and social media platforms for up-to-date information.
TUSIND TAK
“A thousand thanks” in Danish