Thomas Dambo’s “Way of the Bird King” Exhibition Opens at Idaho Botanical Garden

The Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise is hosting “Way of the Bird King,” a temporary outdoor art installation featuring large-scale wooden sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, through October 31, 2026. The exhibit, which opened to the public in July, features several oversized bird-themed structures constructed primarily from recycled materials, designed to encourage visitors to explore the garden’s natural landscape.

What is the “Way of the Bird King” exhibit?

The “Way of the Bird King” is a site-specific installation created by Thomas Dambo, an artist known internationally for building “trolls” and other giant figures using reclaimed wood. According to the [Idaho Botanical Garden](https://idahobotanicalgarden.org/), the Boise installation is part of a broader series of works by Dambo intended to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship and creative recycling.

The sculptures are scattered throughout the garden’s grounds. Each piece is crafted to reflect the local ecology while maintaining Dambo’s signature folk-art aesthetic. The project serves as both an art gallery and a scavenger hunt, requiring guests to walk the garden’s trails to locate each of the massive avian figures.

Where can visitors see the sculptures?

The exhibition is located at the [Idaho Botanical Garden](https://idahobotanicalgarden.org/) in Boise, Idaho. The garden is situated near the Old Idaho Penitentiary in the foothills of the city.

Visitors should note the following logistics for the exhibition:
* Duration: The exhibit is a limited-time engagement running until October 31, 2026.
* Accessibility: Because the sculptures are placed along garden paths, the organization recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes.
* Admission: Access to the installation is included with general garden admission. Tickets can be purchased at the garden entrance or through the [official website](https://idahobotanicalgarden.org/).

Why does the garden host temporary art installations?

The Idaho Botanical Garden utilizes rotating art displays to increase visitor engagement and provide a different perspective on the botanical collections. By integrating large-scale installations like Dambo’s, the garden aims to attract families and art enthusiasts who might not otherwise visit a traditional botanical site.

This strategy aligns with the garden’s mission to foster an appreciation for the natural world. By using recycled wood to create the sculptures, Dambo’s work emphasizes the concept of “trash as treasure,” a central pillar of his artistic practice. The garden reports that these types of interactive exhibits often result in higher attendance numbers during the summer and fall months.

What should visitors know before arriving?

Planning ahead can improve the experience of viewing the sculptures. The Idaho Botanical Garden offers several tips for those traveling to see the exhibit:

* Check Hours: The garden’s operating hours can shift seasonally. It is best to verify the current schedule on the [official garden calendar](https://idahobotanicalgarden.org/) before traveling.
* Weather Preparedness: As the exhibit is entirely outdoors, the garden suggests bringing sun protection during the peak of summer and checking the forecast for potential mountain weather shifts in the autumn.
* Group Visits: For those planning to visit with larger groups or school tours, the garden provides specific booking information on its website to ensure adequate space and parking.

The “Way of the Bird King” will remain on display through the end of October 2026, offering visitors a final opportunity to view the sculptures before they are dismantled or moved to a subsequent location.