Meet Rose Wonders and other new objects at Filoli this holiday season

Rose Wonders, a 27-foot troll sculpture by acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo, is one of the new objects to see while visiting Filoli this holiday season.

Crafted primarily from recycled pallet wood and adorned with branches woven into her hair, she depicts a young girl curiously studying a tiny human perched on her finger, pondering what it means to be human. Visitors are invited to step into her world, climbing a hidden staircase through her cascading locks and up into her hands for a face-to-face encounter.

“Rose Wonders was born from the idea that humans need to look nature in the eye,” said Dambo. “She’s a gentle giant who reminds us that beauty can come from what we throw away. I’m honored that she’s found a permanent home at Filoli, where art and nature live side by side.”

Reports InMenlo contributing photographer Robb Most: “I enjoyed photographing things that were new to me. That includes the train set out in the redwoods and the new huts as well as the troll.”

As it gets dark, visitors can enjoy the 16-acre formal garden which is adorned with over 6,000 strands of lights and wander through a 210-foot-long tunnel of light.

Holidays at Filoli runs until January 11, 2026. For more information, visit filoli.org/holidays.

Photos by Robb Most (c) 2025