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the biltmore gardens host chihuly

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!





Now, Biltmore has even more to draw visitors to come and stay awhile.

When you combine two magnificent sights, there is nothing to be said that can express the beauty and glory of the total experience….

Biltmore unveils its first art exhibition ever in its historic gardens as Chihuly at Biltmore opens May 17, 2018. The exhibition will feature the works of globally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly and will run through Oct. 7, 2018. 
(I say, “Road Trip” to all my friends.)

This exhibit is North Carolina’s first major garden installation of the artist’s work.

A leader in the development of glass as a fine art, Chihuly is celebrated for large architectural installations that have captivated viewers around the U.S. and throughout the world. The Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition will feature awe-inspiring artworks in both the Biltmore House and the gardens and is included in the Biltmore admission.

Biltmore House and the estate’s landscaped vistas are locations for these dramatic, large-scale sculptures that combine brilliant colors and striking forms set in Biltmore’s century-old gardens.



Chihuly’s first North Carolina garden exhibition

The first major garden exhibition of Chihuly’s works in North Carolina, the artist’s installations will reside in the estate gardens for dramatic views in spring, summer, and fall, taking advantage of the living backdrop designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, known as the father of American landscape architecture.

Frederick Law Olmsted

Chihuly’s large-scale installations of vivid Reeds, mesmerizing Towers, and myriad organic forms are shaped by the artist’s unique vision that shattered established boundaries of glass. Garden plantings, developed in collaboration between Chihuly and Biltmore’s landscape teams, will complement the artworks throughout the estate.


Dale Chihuly, Sole d'Oro, 2017, 13 1/2 x 14 x 14,
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, ©Chihuly Studio

The Front Lawn will feature a glistening representation of The Sun


Dale Chihuly, Niijima Floats, 2005, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, Florida, ©Chihuly Studio

Inside Biltmore House, the Winter Garden will glow with a multitude of gold and white forms conjuring visions of sea life and reflecting Chihuly’s love of Venice


Dale Chihuly, Float Boat and Carnival Boat, 2012 (detail),
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, ©Chihuly Studio

The Italian Garden will offer three installations, including a Boat filled with multicolored glass spheres inspired by Japanese fishing floats


Dale Chihuly, Float Boat, 2014, 3 x 10 x 5',
Denver Botanic Gardens, ©Chihuly Studio


Dale Chihuly, Red Reeds, 2008,
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan, installed 2010, ©Chihuly Studio

In the Shrub Garden, Red Reeds—ranging from 6 to 10 feet high—form a striking installation


Dale Chihuly, Palazzo Ducale Tower (detail), 1996, 13 1/2 x 8 x 7 1/2', Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, Florida, installed 2014, ©Chihuly Studio

The Walled Garden presents two vibrant Towers—one of which was created for the Biltmore setting


Dale Chihuly, Citron, Amber, and Teal Chandelier I (detail), 2009, 54 x 56 x 48", ©Chihuly Studio

 The glass Conservatory will be the setting for three dramatic Chandeliers—one of Chihuly’s most iconic series—comprised of glass forms in varying, elegant hues


 Chihuly Nights at Biltmore

During reservation-only Chihuly Nights at Biltmore, the artworks will be dramatically illuminated to showcase their colors and shapes. Guests will take in sunset views over the Blue Ridge Mountains; enjoy live music in the gardens; and choose from a selection of wines from an alfresco wine bar. Chihuly Nights at Biltmore will be offered on select evenings throughout the exhibition’s run. 

The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Guests may extend the evening at one of Biltmore’s lodging properties – 
Both properties will offer special Chihuly-inspired stay packages.


Dale Chihuly, Sole d'Oro, 2017, 13 1/2 x 14 x 14, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, ©Chihuly Studio  (Night view)

Daytime admission to Chihuly at Biltmore is included in the general admission ticket price. Admission to see Chihuly Nights at Biltmore requires a separate ticket. Tickets are now available at www.biltmore.com/chihuly.




About Biltmore (just in case you have been living in a cave)

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore has grown to include Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; The Inn on Biltmore Estate; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division.




About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is known for revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement. Over his 50-year career, he has become known for his iconic glass sculptures, but glass is just one of the media he employs to realize his vision – he also draws, paints and sculpts using other materials. Chihuly is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world, in historic cities, museums and gardens. His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Corning Museum of Glass. Major exhibitions include Chihuly Over Venice (1995-96), Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999), deYoung Museum in San Francisco (2008), the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2011), Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (2012) and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal, Canada (2013.) Chihuly Garden and Glass opened at Seattle Center in 2012. 

(I offer these links to previous installations just in case you want a Chihuly ‘fix’ right away!)

For more information, visit chihuly.comFacebook.com/Chihuly and @ChihulyStudio.




A big Thank You to The Biltmore Company for all their help and information on this post.
© 2018 The Biltmore Company. 
All Rights Reserved | Biltmore – One Lodge Street – Asheville





Please enjoy a beautiful presentation of Chihuly at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in 2016