A couple of weeks ago the Mister and I decided to make a vacation out of going to Haven (a Blogger Conference) in South Carolina. We took a couple of days getting there and extra days getting back. Plus we rarely take the highway because you don’t really get to see the small towns or countryside that way. It’s more fun to check out each town square, get out to shop, find weird things and eat at restaurants we’ll probably never see again. Those few extra hours is totally worth it. We laugh and chat and plan and sing and ponder and shake our heads at people and laugh some more and truly have a great time.
A Chihuly Exhibit at the Biltmore Estate in NC, Part 1
On the way home we hadn’t planned to stop at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina but when I noticed it was only a couple of hours away and we could take the Blue Ridge Mountain Scenic Bypass too, well it was a done deal. I’d always wanted to go to the Vanderbilt’s home and to me, this was the bestest year ever! Not only was I getting to tour the 8000 acre estate but they were having a Dale Chihuly exhibit too!
I’m only going to mention a few things about the Biltmore because there are plenty of articles about it. I want to show you some glass art pieces that are so beautiful, it’s mind blowing. This Chihuly exhibit is only there until October 7th, so if you want to see it in person, go now or better yet, in late September to early October when the leaves will be changing on the trees. Seriously, the drive is so beautiful, you’ll want to skip the plane and take the car. Even the drive to get up to the house is so stunning I’d be happy living in a hut near by just to see that every day.
For those who don’t know who Dale Chihuly is – he is an American glass sculptor with over 200 museum collections worldwide. He is known most for his blown glass in vibrant colors and organic shapes.
“I want people to be overwhelmed with light and color in someway that they’ve never experienced.” – Chihuly
The picture above is in the Winter Garden of Biltmore. I nearly choked myself sucking up spit during my gasp – not kidding. He calls it Laguna Torcello II (made in 2018). Can you imagine the time it took just for these smaller beauties? I cannot.
It took nearly 2 years!
This glass exhibit is Chihuly’s first ever in North Carolina and the very first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens. It took nearly 2 years from planning to installation in preparation to host the monumental exhibition.
This boat above is called Float Boat (made in 2017) and is located at the first pond in the Italian Garden. Can you see all of the huge balls floating around the Koi? Chihuly calls them the Niijima Floats (2018). I love all the bright color and how they pop from the green surroundings.
As you walk further through the second pond has this masterpiece! Chihuly calls it the Palazzo Ducale Tower which he made in 1996.
The last pond in the Italian Garden has these gorgeous pieces. They are named Neodymium Reeds with Fiori Verdi (2014). My faves!
Just passed those, at the end of that same pond, is the boat called Fiori Boat (2017). Another stunning display of art glass.
If you plan a trip to see the exhibit, go at night! All of the glass lights up! Can you imagine?! It’s a ticket upgrade but sadly we couldn’t stay all day but I’m sure it’s worth it. Honestly, there is so much to do there, you could spend 2 days.
Well that’s the end of the Chihuly Exhibit at the Biltmore Estate in NC, Part 1! I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Next time we’ll go through the a couple of other gardens and the Conservatory.
And I know my photography skills don’t do justice which is why you should totally go and take me with you! Pretty please with a Niijima Float ball on top? It’s magnificent!
Love his sculptures- I got to see one in Seattle and it was spectacular. Thanks for sharing!
Author
Spectacular is a perfect word for it! Thanks for visiting today.
It does look magnificent, all those beautiful colors and curves, the fountains are beautiful alone but this is added amazingness!!!
Author
I love amazingness Marlene! They truly are. I don’t think my imagination would ever come close to his.
If I had a bucket list, this would be toward the top. Absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never been to the Biltmore and I LOVE Chihuly. I’m so glad you got to go!
Author
Well Kim, we should go together! I want to go again! ❤️
This Chihuly exhibit has been traveling to various cities, and we saw it in Atlanta Botanical Gardens in 2016. But, that doesn’t keep me from wanting to see it again at the Biltmore – at night! We’re hoping to make it there in early fall, before it closes Oct 7. Thanks for sharing and fueling that fire!
Author
Oh I hope you get to go then! Who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other! Have fun. ❤️
OMG what a dazzling display. I have never been to the Biltmore, so I will add this to one of the many places we need to visit. Thanks for taking me along on this fabulous journey. The Chihuly exhibit is gorgeous. Have a good weekend Cindy.
Author
Thanks Linda for popping over today. It should definitely be added to your bucket list! Have a great weekend.
Beautiful! First, let me say that Biltmore is on my bucket list!! For sure.
There was a Chihuly exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum two or three years ago that we really enjoyed. It’s amazing that all of that can go outside…don’t you think?
Author
Yeah, it was on my list too and I’m sooooo glad we stopped by. And yes, that it can go outside and light up is fascinating to me. Wish we had been able to stay longer but we hustled around there like little chickens looking for food and saw a bunch. Wish I would have known about the exhibit at the Arboretum. I would have hightailed it on over there. Love that place too. We should all go when they put the fall pumpkins and stuff out!
Cindy I am so jealous! I am huge fan of Chihuly! Those floats in the Koi pond are so pretty. You’ll see those in Part 2. Beautiful exhibit for sure!
Author
During the tour I just kept saying Oh Wow, Oh Wow, Oh WOW! The further we went the brighter they got. Truly beautiful. Hope you have a great weekend.