Texas Giant Troll Sculpture Destroyed in Fire, Artist and Community Mourn Loss
An iconic giant troll sculpture, known as 'Malin’s Fountain,' was destroyed in a fire at Pease Park in Austin, Texas. The 18-foot-tall wooden sculpture, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, was engulfed in flames on May 21, 2026. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with arson investigators involved in the case. The sculpture, which was unveiled in March 2024, was the only Texas installation among more than 100 troll artworks Dambo has created worldwide since 2014. Built with the help of about 150 Austin volunteers, 'Malin’s Fountain' was constructed from reclaimed wood from a decommissioned water tower and cedar roots donated by local residents. The artist expressed his heartbreak over the loss, noting the sculpture's significance to the community and its role in feeding animals during Austin's hottest months. 
