Tiffany at Biltmore: July 1, 2011-January 31, 2012

Almost 50,000 plants are used in the Walled Garden to create four giant dragonflies.

Tiffany in the Biltmore Gardens
(Summer 2011)
Louis Comfort Tiffany’s use of botanicals and love of nature inspired Biltmore’s horticulture team to create interpretations of Tiffany’s iconic dragonfly lamp series. Four dragonflies – one in each of the diamond-shaped patterned beds in the Walled Garden – are created from flowers and foliage planted and designed to resemble stained glass. Each dragonfly design spasn 32 feet and takes more than 12,000 plants to create. Plant selection is based on what will best mimic the colors and hues of Tiffany stained glass.

On the back side of the Conservatory is a six-foot-tall, 24-foot-long “living wall” of flowering plants and greenery that resembles a stained-glass window. Large, Tiffany-style lamp shade planters filled with colorful blooms will adorn the sidewalks of Antler Hill Village. Doc Cudd, Biltmore’s blacksmith, created the wrought-iron lamp posts with framing for the flowers. Stained-glass artist John Orlich of Asheville created decorative plant stakes with stained-glass dragonflies and butterflies to place around the village and the Walled Garden.

Inside Biltmore House
When you enter Biltmore House during the exhibition’s run, you will walk under a large arbor hanging over the front door. It will feature glass grapes and botanical touches, inspired by some of Tiffany’s most well-known pieces. The floral team will turn the center fountain in the Winter Garden into a “growing” lamp using tropical plants accented by shallow water gardens to create an exotic atmosphere. Special floral arrangements will be placed throughout the home’s first floor rooms.

Opening Weekend
Antler Hill Village will be the central location for Tiffany at Biltmore Opening Weekend, set for July 1-3, 2011. Demonstrations in glass blowing and stained glass will take place throughout the weekend, with live music by the Firecracker Jazz Band.

After you tour the exhibit, go next door to Cedric's and get the yummy special Tiffany-inspired dessert, lemon cheesecake and lemon sponge cake layered with blackberry jam, with ginger creme anglaise, strawberry preserves and white chocolate imprinted with a dragonfly!

More about Tiffany & the Vanderbilts
One of America’s most celebrated artists and designers, Tiffany was an established tastemaker in the late 19th century. He catered to the wealthiest patrons, including both friends and family of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Though also noted for his skills in painting, decorative arts, and interior design, it was Tiffany’s experimentation with stained glass that brought him lasting fame.

Tiffany and fellow artist John La Farge revolutionized the stained glass medium by incorporating three-dimensional design elements into their works. George Vanderbilt’s, father William H. Vanderbilt, commissioned La Farge to create several stained-glass windows for his home on Fifth Avenue in New York City in 1879. Three of these extraordinary windows will be featured in the exhibition alongside Tiffany’s creations.

The Tiffany exhibition will be included in daily admission to Biltmore. See our Biltmore Guide to plan your visit!

Go to the Biltmore Estate Web site for more information, current deals and to purchase discounted tickets online.