The Biltmore has been planning the largest exhibition in its historic gardens for more than a decade. And finally, last week, Chihuly at Biltmore opened with a mega installation of glass sculptures from the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Tens of thousands of glass pieces make up the sculptures that reside in 14 locations around the estate. (which is the very first major N.C. Chihuly exhibition).
The installation is up from now through Oct. 7th, and viewing is included in your daytime admission ticket (and free for annual pass holders). Chihuly Nights at Biltmore is offered on select nights where the glass sculptures are lit up, plus live music in the gardens + a wine bar. A separate ticket is required for Chihuly Nights. Tickets are $37.50 for kids + range from $65 – 75 for adults. (Biltmore annual pass holders may receive up to $20 discount for Chihuly Nights).
Three new works were blown just for Biltmore, and 6 new compositions were put together. 👏
Last week, we checked out the exhibition, along with Dale and his wife Leslie.
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Torcello
Torcello is named after a lagoon in Venice, Italy + is part of Chihuly’s a “thousand flowers” series, which began in 2003.
The Tower series
Experimentation with the Chandeliers for Chihuly Over Venice project where brought Chihuly to future projects to create large sculptures for spaces without ceilings or
where the ceilings could not bear the weight of Chandeliers, giving life to the development of the Tower series.
Niijima Floats
Named for the island of Niijima in Tokyo Bay, and for the small Japanese fishing floats Chihuly would find on the shores of Puget Sound as a child (he grew up in Seattle), these are very likely the largest glass spheres ever blown (up to 40 inches in diameter and up to 80 pounds). More from the Tower Series:
Another in the Tower Series.