Cutting-edge exhibition, Chihuly at Biltmore, opening this spring in Asheville

ASHEVILLE - An exclusive viewing experience of a globally renowned artist’s portfolio is coming to Biltmore Estate this spring for a months-long exhibition.

The work of Dale Chihuly, a multimedia artist responsible for advancing glass development to the fine art realm, will be showcased at the Biltmore Estate ― the historic landmark once home to the famed George Vanderbilt.

Chihuly at Biltmore will feature pedestal works, illustrations and large-scale installations of Chihuly’s artworks and will be displayed March 25 through Jan. 5.

Here’s what to know about viewing the avant-garde exhibition that was specially curated for Biltmore.:

Who is Dale Chihuly?

Chihuly, an American artist, is known for his large-scale architectural installations and as a pioneer of the studio glass movement. His innovative approaches have involved using color, light, transparency and form to transform a space.

Although largely known for his proficiency with glass, his mediums commonly incorporate materials like paint, charcoal, neon, ice and Polyvitro ― a type of polymer coined by Chihuly.

Chihuly, born in 1941, has an extensive list of accomplishments, including establishing the glass program at Rhode Island School of Design in 1969, where he taught full-time for more than a decade, and cofounding Pilchuck Glass School near Stanwood, Washington in 1971.

Chihuly, who lives and works in Seattle, has captivated audiences around the world over career spanning several decades.

His works of art are featured in more than 200 museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Corning Museum of Glass.

His works also have been exhibited at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, Washington, D.C.; the Louvre’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris; the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Viewing experience

On March 25, Chihuly at Biltmore will open at the estate’s exhibit center Amherst at Deerpark.

The intimate, one-of-a-kind gallery experience will feature pedestal works, drawings and large-scale installations of Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori and Neon, showcasing Chihuly’s artistic process and influences.

It will not include multi-sensory projections like Biltmore's most recent art exhibitions.

Chihuly at Biltmore will extend outside of Amherst at Deerpark.

“Winter White and Glacier Blue Tower,” a large-scale installation, will be displayed outside of Biltmore House.

The “Torchlight Chandelier" sculpture will be outside at Antler Hill Village.

Also, make a stop at Biltmore Winery in Antler Hill Village to see Chihuly’s Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier from the estate’s permanent collection. It's now on display along with new artwork of the estate’s vineyard by Asheville-based photographer Benjamin Walls and stained-glass panels by John La Farge that once hung in George Vanderbilt’s father's home in New York City.

This will be the second time Chihuly has been a featured artist at the estate.

In 2018, art installations of Chihuly’s work were placed throughout Biltmore Gardens, Biltmore House’s front lawn and Antler Hill Village.

How much it costs

Annual passholders can purchase an exhibition ticket for $30.

Overnight guests at one of the estate’s hotel properties may purchase a Chihuly at Biltmore package or purchase the Biltmore House & Chihuly Exhibition ticket.

Daytime visitors may purchase a Chihuly at Biltmore ticket for $115-$175, prices are subject to change by day and season, which includes access to the exhibit, Biltmore’s grounds and gardens for two consecutive days, Antler Hill Village and Winery, complimentary wine tastings at the winery and complimentary parking.

Purchase tickets at biltmore.com.

Overnight packages are available for guests to stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate.

Chihuly at Biltmore dinners

Biltmore will host three special dinners to commemorate the opening of the exhibit on March 29, April 27 and May 18.

The Chihuly at Biltmore Dinner Series will begin with a sparkling and Biltmore wines reception with hors d’oeuvres served as a strolling musician plays tunes to guests outside at the Deerpark Pavilion.

Guests will be welcomed to a special viewing of the exhibit, and then enjoy a premium three-course plated dinner paired with Biltmore wines and a Chihuly at Biltmore-themed dessert.

The attire is dressy casual-semiformal.

The event and menu will be the same for all three dining experiences.

Chihuly at Biltmore

Where: Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville.

When: March 25-Jan. 5.

Info: For tickets, visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/chihuly-at-biltmore/.

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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Chihuly at Biltmore opening with famed artist's glass sculptures, more