Shaping History: Biltmore’s Glass Art Legacy Posted on September 26, 2024 at 8:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Our story is one of art, innovation, and visionaries. From the awe-inspiring Crystal Palace to Dale Chihuly’s grand installations, glass has woven a mesmerizing tale of human creativity for over a century. Discover how Biltmore has become a living testament to the enduring power and beauty of the glass art movement. The Crystal Palace on Sydenham Hill, London, circa 1880. Crystal Palace Exhibition Held in London in 1851, the World’s Fair marked the first time artists, manufacturers, and inventors from around the world were welcomed to showcase their innovations. The Crystal Palace, constructed specifically for this event, was a marvel built entirely of cast iron and plate glass—its walls and ceiling included—symbolizing the era’s spirit of innovation. Beyond housing more than 900,000 square feet of exhibitor space, it set a standard for combining architecture and art on a grand scale. Hospitalitas/Prosperitas [Hospitality/Prosperity], 1881, by John La Farge. Patrons of the arts George Vanderbilt was born 11 years after that first World’s Fair, inheriting from his parents an appreciation for the arts and a vast fortune. Influenced by his upbringing, he traveled extensively and collected art throughout his life, forming friendships with renowned artists, architects, and writers alike. George’s formative years coincided with the Industrial Revolution’s peak. By 1880, artist John La Farge patented techniques for opalescent and iridescent glass, revolutionizing colored-glass windows. The following year, George’s father commissioned La Farge to create windows for his New York City home—a residence later inherited by George. During this same period, Louis Comfort Tiffany was pioneering methods for assembling colored-glass windows, further reshaping artistic possibilities. The Waltz, circa 1890, by Anders Zorn. Building artistic architecture In 1888, George began planning the construction of Biltmore Estate with architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted. By the time construction of the estate was underway, Hunt and Olmsted were simultaneously designing buildings and grounds for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Inspired by the Gothic cathedrals and French châteaux he had admired during his travels, George envisioned Biltmore House as a monumental work of art itself, sparing no expense in adorning it with the work of renowned artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and Anders Zorn. By 1905, George had added the La Farge windows from his father’s residence into his personal collection. Today, a set of these exquisite windows can be seen at Biltmore’s Winery in Antler Hill Village. Among the cherished artworks in Biltmore House is Anders Zorn’s evocative painting The Waltz, recently conserved and back on display for all to enjoy. Installation from Chihuly at Biltmore, March 25, 2024 – February 2, 2025 at Amherst Dale Chihuly, Torchlight Chandelier, 2011, 11‐1/2 x 9 x 8‐1/2′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024, @ 2011 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Glass art in the modern era While glass art manufacturing thrived, the era of grand stained-glass commissions had faded. However, the 1960s saw a revival with the Studio Glass Movement, where artists embraced experimentation aided by new tools and techniques. Chihuly entered the scene during this resurgence, delving into glassblowing under Harvey Littleton at the University of Wisconsin in 1966. His journey was soon accelerated after receiving a grant from the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, marking the beginning of his artistic evolution. Fast forward to 2012, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Seattle World’s Fair, Chihuly Garden and Glass opened to the public. Located at the base of the Space Needle, the museum offers visitors a permanent display of Chihuly’s indoor and outdoor art. Dale Chihuly, Mille Fiori (detail), 2023, 8‐1/2 x 34‐1/2 x 15′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Visit Chihuly at Biltmore Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of George’s art collection or marveling at Chihuly’s permanent Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier installation at the Winery, each encounter urges you to appreciate the allure and rich history of glass—a testament to human creativity and ingenuity—that continues to inspire today. We invite you to experience this mesmerizing medium for yourself during Chihuly at Biltmore in the galleries of Amherst at Deerpark®. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition ends on February 2, 2025. Reserve your tickets or special overnight package now to secure your preferred dates and times.
Spring at Biltmore: A Delight for the Senses Posted on March 1, 2024 at 9:00 am.Written by Karina Hux As Biltmore awakens from its wintertime slumber, a wonderland for the senses unfolds across our mountain oasis. Discover some of our favorite ways to delight all five of your senses this spring with a visit to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Installation from Chihuly at Biltmore, March 25, 2024 – February 2, 2025 at Amherst. Dale Chihuly, Persian Ceiling, 2012, 25 x 15′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2012 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Must-see masterpieces Spring offers up an everchanging visual kaleidoscope of color as our historic landscapes bloom weekly with the vibrant hues of tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and rhododendrons! Plus, every spring, Biltmore’s Floral team displays special arrangements throughout Biltmore House inspired by the gardens in bloom. This beauty extends far beyond our garden walls to Chihuly at Biltmore, presented in our gallery setting at Amherst at Deerpark® premiering March 25, 2024. Dale Chihuly’s renowned works will leave you breathless as you experience the stunning fusion of vibrant hues and dynamic shapes of his pedestal works, Drawings, and large-scale installations of Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, and Neon. Tip: Chihuly at Biltmore is an awe-inspiring experience for families and guests of all ages. That said, due to the nature of the exhibition, all guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Take a moment to stop and smell the Tulips in Biltmore Gardens. Fragrances and flavors to savor This time of year, it feels like the air is transforming right beneath your nose! Be sure to stop and smell the flowers during your springtime stroll through Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds. The scents of our gardens and grounds in bloom seamlessly intertwine with Biltmore’s award-winning wines and estate-grown farm-to-table fare. As you swirl, sniff, sip, and savor our favorite spring wines, make note of the distinctive tasting notes and fragrances, expertly crafted by our Winemakers. Once your palette is warmed up, consider indulging in a guided Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting to help you discover why chocolate and red wine are a match made in heaven. George Vanderbilt’s vision of a self-sustaining estate extends past our wines. Biltmore remains a working farm, producing field crops, pastured beef, lamb, pork, and eggs from chickens, to be served in restaurants across the estate. Recreate the dishes you loved during your visit with seasonal recipes and Biltmore’s gourmet foods delivered right to your door when you shop online. Hear the stories of this grand estate with an all-new Biltmore House audio guide in spring 2024! The sounds of Spring at Biltmore Discover the stories of this National Historic Landmark and the people who lived and worked here over a century ago as you listen to an all-new audio guide for Biltmore House, coming in mid-April! If it’s been a while since you last explored America’s Largest Home, this spring will be a perfect time to come back to discover new and favorite stories. Dig even deeper into the stories of this opulent home by upgrading your visit to include an expert-guided tour. For spring break getaways and holidays, be sure to check our activities listing for special live music and events around the estate. Meet the bouncing baby animals at our Farmyard each spring. Hands-on learning and adventure Our expert guides are ready to help you discover educational, fun, and adventurous activities that fit your interests and abilities. Embark on a hike across Biltmore’s expansive grounds or coast along the winding gravel paths while the beauty of the landscape unfolds on one of our Guided Bike Rides. Or take it slow and grab the reins to connect with Biltmore’s history with a One-Hour Carriage Ride that offers breathtaking Blue Ridge mountain views and a rarely-seen view of the west façade. Just like clockwork, the animals that call Biltmore home welcome cuddly youngsters every spring. Visit Antler Hill Village for a deeper look at Biltmore’s legacy as a working farm. The Farmyard offers a kid-friendly introduction to farm life and the animals that are an integral part of our self-sustaining estate. Our Farm to Table Tour & Taste experience (available exclusively to overnight guests and Passholders) offers even more in-depth discovery of Biltmore’s farming legacy and how that connects to our modern field-to-table philosophy. Be sure to swing by Antler Hill Barn for fascinating demonstrations of Appalachian crafts, like broom-making, that are part of our estate history, naturalist talks, and more. Japanese magnolia and forsythia bloom outside of The Inn on Biltmore Estate each spring. Surround yourself with spring With a sensory treat around every corner, we invite you to fully immerse yourself in the unique experiences that await you this spring. Imagine waking to awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountain views and the scent of crisp spring air just outside your door. Plan your spring getaway now with admission and overnight stay packages featuring Chihuly at Biltmore, guided activities, and more. And, with so much to see, taste, smell, and do this year, spring is a perfect time of year to become a Biltmore Annual Passholder!
Presenting the Artist: Dale Chihuly Posted on February 18, 2024 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Renowned for pushing the limits of glass as a medium, Dale Chihuly has presented groundbreaking artworks all around the world. With Chihuly at Biltmore now on display, we invite you to learn more about the artist and his lasting influences on contemporary art. James Mongrain, Dale Chihuly, and Andrea Lesnett, Rotolo in process, The Hotshop, The Boathouse, Seattle, 2013. ©Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Chihuly the innovator Born in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly embarked on his journey into the world of glass during his studies of interior design. His fascination with the medium led him to a Fulbright Scholarship that saw him travel to the renowned Venini glass factory in Venice, where he immersed himself in traditional techniques and team glassblowing. His innovative teaching methods and artistic vision left an undeniable mark on the field, pushing boundaries and emphasizing collaborative glassblowing techniques. Chihuly’s ideas have pushed the limits of glass as an artistic medium, with his work included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, earning him numerous awards, including two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships and 13 honorary doctorates. Dale Chihuly Paintbrushes, 2016 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, installed 2019 © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly Basket Forest, 2001 Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly Cobalt Reeds and Fiori, 2012; Glasshouse Sculpture, 2012; and Pacific Sun, 2011 Chihuly Garden and Glass, installed 2012 © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Exhibitions around the world Chihuly’s love for travel began with his first trip to Italy at the age of 21, where he pursued the study of art in Florence. He returned to Italy in 1996 for perhaps his most iconic project, Chihuly Over Venice, a massive undertaking that started with glassblowing sessions in Finland, Ireland, and Mexico. At this time, his work has been featured in 26 countries and Chihuly continues to present ambitious exhibitions at museums and botanical gardens across the globe. Dale Chihuly, Ethereal White Persian Pond, 2018, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021 © 2018 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Art on a grand scale Chihuly’s work boasts more than a dozen acclaimed series, each a testament to his mastery of form and color. Among these are Cylinders, Baskets, Seaforms, Macchia, Persians, Venetians, Niijima Floats, Chandeliers, and Fiori—many of which are incorporated in the current exhibition at Biltmore! Chihuly’s lifelong fascination with nature and glasshouses grew into a series of exhibitions within botanical settings, including London’s Kew Gardens, Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. In 2012, his long-term exhibition, Chihuly Garden and Glass, opened at Seattle Center. In 2018, Biltmore welcomed Chihuly at Biltmore, an exhibition showcasing the artist’s breathtaking large-scale glass sculptures in the century-old gardens of America’s Largest Home®. This unique visual experience marked the first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens and the first garden exhibition of artist Dale Chihuly’s works in North Carolina. Dale Chihuly, Mille Fiori (detail), 2023, 8‐1/2 x 34‐1/2 x 15′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Neon and Neodymium Reeds on Logs (detail), 2023, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly, Ikebana Doppio Drawing Suite #9, 2001, 7 x 30′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2001 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × An all-new Chihuly at Biltmore The success of Chihuly’s 2018 outdoor exhibition at Biltmore paved the way for an all-new Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition, now on view inside the galleries of Amherst at Deerpark®. Featuring 33 curated artworks, including pedestal works, Drawings, Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, Neon, and two large-scale installations on estate grounds, this exhibition offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chihuly’s iconic artworks. Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 9-1/2 x 6 x 6′, Biltmore Winery, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2023 © 2022 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Experience awe-inspiring artwork at Biltmore Ready to immerse yourself in a world of wonder? Plan your visit and reserve your special admission-inclusive overnight package at one of our distinctive hotels for this must-see exhibition. Featured Image Dale Chihuly with Laguna Torcello II, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, 2018 © 2018 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.
Visit Itinerary: Your Guide to Biltmore Posted on February 1, 2024 at 9:00 am.Written by Heather Angel From exploring the grand halls of our historic chateau to savoring our handcrafted wines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Biltmore. With so many options to explore, we recommend making the most of your visit by planning to spend two (or more!) full days on Biltmore Estate. Two-Day Visit Itinerary One-Day Visit Itinerary Additional Tips This flexible Biltmore visit itinerary is designed to be easily tailored based on your preferences, reservation times, and our current activities and events, allowing you to focus on having fun on our 8,000-acre estate. Discover the spellbinding world of Dale Chihuly’s iconic artwork on display during Chihuly at Biltmore. (Dale Chihuly Serpentine Green Icicle Towers (detail), 2015 13 x 8 x 5′ Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2024 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.) How to Spend Two Full Days at Biltmore For a leisurely and immersive visit to Biltmore, we recommend spreading your experiences across at least two full days where you will have more time (and energy) to truly soak in all that Biltmore has to offer. Tip: Select ticket types include free next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add on guided experiences. Be sure to check your admission type or overnight package for this perk and plan to come back the next day to take advantage of even more time to explore the estate. DAY ONE 🏰 Morning: Biltmore House (1.5 to 2 hours)Step into the grandeur of America’s Largest Home, Biltmore House, while learning about the history, the fine art and furnishings, and of course, the people, behind this Gilded Age masterpiece. With our Biltmore House tours, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the home and stories through our complimentary Audio Guide or take a deep dive into one of our fascinating expert-guided tours based on your interests. Tip: Advanced reservations are required for all Biltmore House visits. If your reservation is in the afternoon or early evening, you may choose to explore the Gardens or Antler Hill Village first! 🥗 Mid-day: Lunch at an Estate Restaurant (1 to 1.5 hours)Savor a delightful field-to-table meal at one of Biltmore’s distinctive restaurants, including Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern, Bistro, or Village Social. If casual grab-and-go or picnic is more your style, be sure to stop by Courtyard Market, the Bake Shop, Biltmore Dairy Bar, or the Smokehouse food truck in Antler Hill Village. Fine dining is available at our four-star Dining Room at The Inn. Tip: Reservations are highly recommended. 🎟️ Afternoon: Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition (1.5 to 2 hours)Don’t miss your chance to see Chihuly’s awe-inspiring works on display in the galleries of Amherst at Deerpark® ending February 2, 2025. Experience the artist’s iconic creations, featuring 33 different artworks, including pedestal works, Drawings, and large-scale installations of Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, and Neon by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. In addition to the awe-inspiring installations in Amherst, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at two large-scale installations presented on estate grounds: A Winter White and Glacier Blue Tower on the East Terrace in front of Biltmore House and a freestanding Torchlight Chandelier at the Entry Green in Antler Hill Village. Tip: Access is included with select admission types, including our “best value” House, Exhibit, and & 2-Day Grounds ticket bundle and special overnight packages. You may visit at your reserved entry time selected during the purchase process. If your reserved Chihuly at Biltmore entry time is in the morning, we recommend choosing to have your reserved Biltmore House visit in the afternoon. DAY TWO 🧭 Morning: Guided Experience (1.5 to 2 hours) Choose from a variety of expert-guided tours and experiences to help make your visit to Biltmore even more memorable! Consider upgrading your visit to include expert-led tours to rarely accessed areas of Biltmore House, guided (or self-guided) outdoor adventures through our historic landscapes, or even a guided wine tasting featuring locally made chocolate pairings. Tip: Select ticket types and overnight packages include exclusive guided tours of Biltmore House! 🌷 Afternoon: Gardens and Conservatory (1 to 2 hours)Spend time finding your new favorite flower and indulging your senses with a visit to Biltmore’s historic gardens and glass-ceilinged Conservatory. Admire the meticulously maintained historic greenhouses filled with tropical plants year-round. Tip: Select ticket types include free next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add on guided experiences. 🥂 Late afternoon to evening: Antler Hill Village and Winery (2+ hours)Stop by our award-winning winery to toast two fun-filled days at Biltmore with one of our handcrafted estate wines! Linger into the evening in Antler Hill Village where you can shop for unique gifts, such as gourmet treats, wines, and the perfect mementos, learn about the Vanderbilt family and their life at home and abroad at The Biltmore Legacy, and savor field-to-table dining. Tip: If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to visit Pisgah Playground, the Farmyard, and Antler Hill Barn for educational fun for all ages. Jump back to the top Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or want to experience your first wine tasting, be sure to stop by our estate Winery. How to Spend One Full Day at Biltmore If you only have one day to explore our historic estate, here’s what we recommend prioritizing for an action-packed way to experience all that is included in your Biltmore admission. Tip: Select ticket types include free next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add on guided experiences. Be sure to check your admission type or overnight package for this perk and plan to come back the next day to take advantage of even more time to explore the estate. 🏰 Morning: Biltmore House (1.5 to 2 hours)Step into the grandeur of America’s Largest Home, Biltmore House, while learning about the history, the fine art and furnishings, and of course, the people, behind this Gilded Age masterpiece. With our Biltmore House tours, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the home and stories through our complimentary Audio Guide or take a deep dive into one of our fascinating expert-guided tours based on your interests. Tip: Advanced reservations are required for all Biltmore House visits. If your reservation is in the afternoon or early evening, you may choose to explore the Gardens or Antler Hill Village first! 🌷 Mid to late morning: Gardens and Conservatory (1 to 2 hours)Find your new favorite flower and indulge your senses with a visit to Biltmore’s historic gardens and glass-ceilinged Conservatory. Admire the meticulously maintained historic greenhouses filled with tropical plants year-round. Tip: Select ticket types include free next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add on guided experiences. 🥗 Mid-day: Lunch at an Estate Restaurant (1 to 1.5 hours)Savor a delightful field-to-table meal at one of Biltmore’s distinctive restaurants, including Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern, Bistro, or Village Social. If casual grab-and-go or picnic is more your style, be sure to stop by Courtyard Market, the Bake Shop, Biltmore Dairy Bar, or the Smokehouse food truck in Antler Hill Village. Fine dining is available at our four-star Dining Room at The Inn. Tip: Reservations are highly recommended. 🎟️ Early afternoon: Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition (1.5 to 2 hours)Don’t miss your chance to see Chihuly’s awe-inspiring works on display in the galleries of Amherst at Deerpark® ending February 2, 2025. Experience the artist’s iconic creations, featuring 33 different artworks, including pedestal works, Drawings, and large-scale installations of Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, and Neon by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. In addition to the awe-inspiring installations in Amherst, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at two large-scale installations presented on estate grounds: A Winter White and Glacier Blue Tower on the East Terrace in front of Biltmore House and a freestanding Torchlight Chandelier at the Entry Green in Antler Hill Village. Tip: Access is included with select admission types, including our “best value” House, Exhibit, and & 2-Day Grounds ticket bundle and special overnight packages. You may visit at your reserved entry time selected during the purchase process. If your reserved Chihuly at Biltmore entry time is in the morning, we recommend choosing to have your reserved Biltmore House visit in the afternoon. 🥂 Late afternoon to evening: Antler Hill Village and Winery (2+ hours)Stop by our award-winning winery to toast a fun-filled day with one of Biltmore’s handcrafted estate wines! Linger into the evening in Antler Hill Village where you can shop for unique gifts, such as gourmet treats, wines, and the perfect mementos, or learn about the Vanderbilt family and their life at home and abroad at The Biltmore Legacy, and savor field-to-table dining. Tip: If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to visit Pisgah Playground, the Farmyard, and Antler Hill Barn for educational fun for all ages. Jump back to the top Take advantage of all that Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, has to offer for the whole family! Additional Biltmore Visit-Planning Tips: Below are a few additional tips for your Biltmore visit itinerary. For even more helpful information to help you prepare for your Biltmore Estate visit, we recommend exploring our Visitor Information site section. Plan Ahead: Don’t wait to purchase your Biltmore admission or special overnight packages to secure your preferred dates and times! Getting Around the Estate: Many guests underestimate the vast size of Biltmore Estate. With miles between points of interest, we recommend allowing your party at least 30 minutes for travel and parking between estate locations. For helpful guidance on estate accessibility, please explore our Help Center. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers appropriate for the season and the types of activities you plan to do during your visit, especially if you opt to participate in any outdoor adventure activities. Watch the Weather: The weather in our region can change quickly, which may result in unexpected temporary closures of our trails or outdoor activities during severe weather. We appreciate your understanding! Make it a Getaway: With so much to experience, treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable getaway with an overnight stay on Biltmore Estate. Beginning February 2024, we’re excited to offer a new exclusive Biltmore House admission benefit for overnight guests: House Length of Stay access! Book an overnight package or stay that includes Biltmore House admission to enjoy a daytime visit to Biltmore House with an audio guide at your leisure and as often as you would like during the length of your stay, no reservation necessary! Make the Most of Your Experience: All Biltmore admission types include access to explore Antler Hill Village & Winery and our historic gardens and grounds. Explore ticket types that include access to Biltmore House, an exclusive 90-minute guided tour, Chihuly at Biltmore (March 25, 2024–February 2, 2025), free next-day grounds access, and more! Additional add-on experiences, such as guided outdoor activities, are available as well. Don’t Forget Your Mementos: Visit our exclusive estate shops to find unique gifts and gourmet treats, like award-winning Biltmore Wines or honey from our estate beehives, to bring the Biltmore legacy home with you. Find More Tips: For even more guidance on what activities you might want to consider during your Biltmore visit for family fun, outdoor adventure, or food and wine, be sure to check our Itineraries page. Jump back to the top Ready to experience all that Biltmore has to offer? Reserve your visit.