News Release

Spring at Biltmore

Press Release

Flowers that transform gardens & artwork by world-renowned Dale Chihuly lead the way for Spring at Biltmore

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – From the mesmerizing Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition to a kaleidoscope of color in Biltmore’s historic gardens, Spring at Biltmore is a delight for the senses with new and artistic experiences around every corner.

Biltmore during springtime offers reflection on the genius of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, and his masterpiece vision for George Vanderbilt’s western North Carolina home.

Across Biltmore’s expansive property, thousands of spring flowers bloom throughout the season starting with daffodils and tulips, wisteria, azaleas, rhododendron and roses. Layers of colors in the historic gardens shift and change, promising something new blooming each day. Over 22 miles of hiking and biking trails offer a variety of views as spring unfolds, from Mount Pisgah and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, to shady areas canopied by exotic bamboo along the French Broad River.

Springtime inside Biltmore House

While Biltmore’s grounds flourish with new blooms, the estate’s floral team has created floral decor inside Biltmore House that reflects the theme of “Spring Romance.”

Victorian-era maypoles decorated with ribbon and fresh spring plants offer a cheerful and nostalgic welcome to guests as they enter the home. Soft colors and sweet details like love knots show up in many fresh flower arrangements and festive fireplace mantle decor.

As a tribute to the 100^th anniversary of the springtime wedding of Cornelia Vanderbilt (daughter of Biltmore’s founders George and Edith Vanderbilt) and John F.A. Cecil in April 1924, Biltmore’s floral team has recreated a large wedding bell and floral bouquet display in the Tapestry Gallery. The design is based on the room’s 1924 decor for the couple’s wedding breakfast.

All new Biltmore House audio guide with new stories, offered in several languages

Enjoy new stories about the Vanderbilts and their guests when a new Biltmore House self-guided audio tour debuts this spring. Included in estate admission, the English version will be available April 15 with versions in Spanish, French, German and Mandarin Chinese available later this spring. An American Sign Language tour as well as a descriptive audio tour for guests who are visually impaired will also be offered.

Elsewhere on the estate

Chihuly at Biltmore

The estate’s exhibition center Amherst at Deerpark is the setting for a new and enchanting experience of Dale Chihuly’s iconic creations. A leader in the development of glass as a fine art, Dale Chihuly is celebrated for architectural installations that have captivated viewers around the U.S. and throughout the world. Curated specifically for Biltmore, Chihuly at Biltmore features artwork spanning nearly four decades including pedestal works, Drawings, Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, and Neon.

Additionally, two large-scale installations are presented outside of the gallery exhibition. At the front of Biltmore House is Winter White and Glacier Blue Tower for guests to experience prior to and after their tours through the home. Presented outside in the estate’s Antler Hill Village is Torchlight Chandelier.

The Chihuly at Biltmore Dinner Series

Biltmore is hosting three special dinners to commemorate the opening of the exhibition. Dates for the Chihuly at Biltmore Dinner Series are March 29, April 27, and May 18. Special dinners begin with a reception serving sparkling wines, among other Biltmore wines, with passed hors d’oeuvres and a strolling musician under the stars at Deerpark Pavilion. Guests will then enjoy a special viewing of the gallery exhibition in Amherst at Deerpark, followed by a premium three-course plated dinner paired with Biltmore wines and a Chihuly at Biltmore-themed dessert. Dress is dressy casual / semi-formal. The event and menu will be the same for all three evenings of the dinner series.

Biltmore Winery debuts new artwork

Toast your Biltmore visit with a stop at the Winery. Enjoy complimentary tastings of the estate’s award-winning wines in the large tasting room. The Wine Bar which now features breathtaking new artwork of the estate’s vineyard by Asheville-based photographer Benjamin Walls. His work joins the stained-glass panels by John La Farge that once hung in the New York City home of George Vanderbilt’s father; and a new Chihuly work Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier. All works arein the estate’s permanent collection.

New life in Antler Hill Village and Farmyard

Antler Hill Village during springtime is lively with musical entertainment at the bandstand on Fridays through Sundays from April through October. Other offerings include the Smokehouse food truck, shops, Cedric’s Tavern, and “The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad” exhibition in Biltmore Legacy.

A few steps away from the Village Green, Biltmore’s Blacksmith demonstrates traditional techniques in the estate’s original smithy shop at Antler Hill Barn. Heritage craft demonstrations such as broom making, basket making, doll makers and more are offered daily. Kids will especially enjoy the Farmyard full of baby animals. Seasonally-offered daily activities also include Naturalist Talks, Farmyard Tractor Wagon Rides, and goat milking, goat brushing and hoof trimming demonstrations.

Overnight packages for spring and Chihuly at Biltmore

Be among the first to stay in recently renovated rooms at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Elegant offerings are also available at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, and the private Cottages on Biltmore Estate. Special spring stay packages feature renowned Vanderbilt hospitality and Chihuly at Biltmore. These packages include Biltmore House admission throughout a stay and more.

More information about admission tickets, events, and overnight stays may be found at www.biltmore.com.

About Biltmore

Established in 1895 in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore is as impressive today as it was more than a century ago. In addition to Biltmore House, the 250-room French château known as America’s Largest Home, this beloved National Historic Landmark includes 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds. Comprised of managed forests and farmland, a working vineyard, 20+ miles of nature trails, Antler Hill Village and its shops, restaurants, and award-winning Winery, the estate also features such splendid overnight accommodations as a four-star Inn, a charming hotel, and a distinctive collection of private cottages. All this, plus seasonal exhibitions, outdoor activities, and live entertainment make Biltmore a one-of-a-kind destination.

Privately owned and maintained by his descendants, Biltmore remains true to George Vanderbilt’s original vision: a self-sustaining Blue Ridge Mountain estate and a luxurious retreat amid year-round natural beauty. Whether as a day trip or multi-night getaway, to experience Biltmore is to experience a legacy of gracious hospitality, timeless elegance, and an inspired sense of wonder. To learn more about Biltmore, go to Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.