Happy City Birds Mural

Danish recycling artist and activist Thomas Dambo is best known for his numerous giant troll sculptures made from scrap wood, which have been installed in 20 countries across five continents so far. His mythical creatures bring a touch of whimsy and environmental awareness to public spaces.

Before gaining recognition, Dambo started small in 2010 by using discarded plywood pallets to create hundreds of colorful birdhouses, which he hung in streets and parks around Denmark. As a former graffiti artist, this gave him a way to express himself through public art without the legal risks.

In 2012, Dambo created the permanent Happy City Birds mural on a gable outside his former studio in northwestern Copenhagen. Set against a light blue wall, the relief artwork features planks shaped into a tree and about seventy-five functioning birdhouses as autumn-colored leaves. The 3D mural, made from repurposed materials, is now home to several bird families.

Dambo, inspired by his bird-loving father and grandmother, believes it’s important to provide shelter for our feathered little friends, as they are among the few animals still in the urban landscape. He says we should continue supporting their ability to coexist with humans.

Although Dambo’s larger-than-life troll sculptures take up most of his professional time these days, he hasn’t forgotten about the birds. His wooden trolls almost always feature birdhouses in some way.