Earlier this summer Yankee and I had a child free weekend, thanks to Mom and Dad! We decided to take a quick weekend trip to Asheville, NC. While in Asheville we decided to go to the Biltmore, and it just happened to be when the Chihuly exhibit was happening. It was such a cool exhibit to see, and I want to be sure to share it with y’all. If you get a chance, the exhibit will be happening till October 7. This post is heavy on pictures and light on words.
I have been to the Biltmore a few times, but the last time was when I was in college. It is still as grand as I remember.
Chihuly Outside at the Biltmore
The day we went was beautiful, and as we got in the car to leave, it started raining so we hit it just right. The grounds are just as impressive as the house itself. Chihuly’s work was amazing. Here this boat was filled with large glass balls and other designs. People loved seeing his work around the grounds.
They have a special exhibit where you can tour the grounds at night, and I think this would have been a spectacular sight.
The work that goes into each of these pieces has to be so time-consuming.
Chihuly Inside
The moment we walked inside the Biltmore, on the right we were greeted by this beautiful design in the atrium.
I still can’t get over the grandness of it all. One of the reasons Vanderbilt had so much money to spend on this house is because it was built before income taxes became mandatory. This mantel is massive and stunning.
I think I”ll just sit and write a little note at this desk.
The downstairs always is fascinating. We got to see how much went on behind the scenes to make this house run. I loved it even more, especially since Downton Abbey. I know this kitchen got lots of use.
The property has a winery and places to stay so you really can spend the whole weekend on the grounds. This work was down by the winery, and it reminded me of a pineapple top. It was really cool. If you get a chance I would highly recommend checking out the Biltmore and this exhibit. It was an added bonus, and we both really enjoyed the estate. To see a Chihuly exhibit that Mom saw last fall in Kentucky, go here.
Cheers!
Beautiful! We have tickets to see it at night at the end of September. I am so excited to see the exhibit all lit up. We had the opportunity to see the Vanderbilt’s “summer cottage” in Newport, Rhode Island recently. It is also stunning. It is called The Marble House.
Kathy,
Oh I am excited to hear you have tickets at night. I am sure it will be stunning. I forgot the marble house was the summer cottage! It is also a great house.
It’s called the breakers not marble house
There is a Chihuly installation at the UW, Madison WI. the article says he studied at the university in 1965. Chihuly donated a portion of the artwork to UW-Madison as a tribute to his alma mater.
https://publicart.wisc.edu/dale-chihuly-the-mendota-wall/
Thank you for sharing. My family and I visited The Biltmore in July specifically to see the Chilhuly exhibit. It was a beautiful experience.
So beautiful. My husband and I visited the Chihuly exhibit at the New York Botanical Gardens and loved it!
Bonnie, my mom saw that one, too.