Oscar the Bird King - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Oscar the Bird King

Vashon, Washington

Thomas Dambo's troll sculpture wears a crown with birdhouses on his head. 

View all photos
'Oscar the Bird King' is one of sculptor Thomas Dambo's ever-growing army of trolls.
'Oscar the Bird King' is one of sculptor Thomas Dambo's ever-growing army of trolls.
Another angle. March 2024. Qlyss (Atlas Obscura User)
Plaque explaining the art piece. Qlyss (Atlas Obscura User)
31
107
Top Places in Washington
Smith Tower Penthouse
Seattle, Washington
Blue Lake Rhino Cave
Coulee City, Washington
Mystery Soda Machine
Seattle, Washington
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Oscar the Bird King with additional information or photos.

Oscar is the seventh and largest troll in Danish sculptor Thomas Dambo’s “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King” site-specific installation in the Pacific Northwest. While these sculptures draw heavily on Scandinavian folklore, the artist also collaborated with the Snoqualmie and Muckleshoot tribes on this particular set.

To date, Dambo has built more than 100 of these curious giants out of recycled materials around the globe. Oscar the Bird King is resplendent in repurposed wood scraps, shells, stones, and drift wood. His head is wreathed in a crown of birdhouses, so that feathered local residents can nest.

Know Before You Go

The troll sculpture is free to visit. 

trolls public art sculptures art
Community Contributors
d
Added by
davidginsberg
slgwv
Q
The Debs 76b39fa0
Edited by
slgwv, Qlyss, The Debs 76b39fa0
Published
March 20, 2024
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Landmark on the Sound
2.46 miles
Untitled (Johnson Pit #30)
4.42 miles
Vashon Island Bike Tree
4.68 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Landmark on the Sound
Des Moines, Washington

Landmark on the Sound

A historic Masonic building overlooking the Puget Sound.
Untitled (Johnson Pit #30)
Kent, Washington

Untitled (Johnson Pit #30)

Tasked with beautifying a disused stretch of industrial land one artist filled a hole with grass.
Vashon, Washington

Vashon Island Bike Tree

A bike being "eaten" by a tree is the real Vashon legend behind popular children's book, "Red Ranger Came Calling."
Vashon, Washington

Fence of Doors

Walking by this fence is like strolling along a portal to various fictional worlds.
Related Places
Bainbridge Island, Washington

Pia the Peacekeeper

This 18-foot-tall public art installation is another of sculptor Thomas Dambo's trolls.
Avanos, Turkey

Çanakçı Heykeli

This giant work of Cappadocian pottery includes a memorial for the artisan who created it.
London, England

Square the Block

A jumble of concrete on the corner of one of London’s terraced buildings is actually a work of art.
Orlando, Florida

'The Traveler'

If you don't look closely, you might mistake this sculpture for just another passenger waiting at the airport.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web