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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Biltmore will unveil its first art exhibition ever in its historic gardens when Chihuly at Biltmore opens on May 17, 2018. The exhibition will feature the works of globally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, and will run through Oct. 7, 2018.
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 Biltmore House and the gardens, and is included in 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 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.
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:
- The Front Lawn will feature a glistening representation of The Sun
- 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
- The Italian Garden will offer three installations, including a Boat filled with multicolored glass spheres inspired by Japanese fishing floats
- In the Shrub Garden, Red Reeds—ranging from 6 to 10 feet high—form a striking installation
- The Walled Garden presents two vibrant Towers—one of which was created for the Biltmore setting
- 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
- Antler Hill Village & Winery will feature a new installation created for Biltmore that will welcome guests upon arrival
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. Guests may extend the evening at one of Biltmore’s lodging properties – The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. Both properties will offer special Chihuly-inspired stay packages. More information may be found at www.biltmore.com/stay.
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.
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About Biltmore
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. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.
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), de Young 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. For more information, visit chihuly.com, Facebook.com/Chihuly and @ChihulyStudio.