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 |
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!)
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
