ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Biltmore Estate has opened a new evening attraction that transforms the façade of Biltmore House and the surrounding gardens into an illuminated canvas, drawing inspiration from the lantern lit garden parties hosted on the estate in the 1920s.
Called Luminere, the self guided outdoor experience runs on Thursday through Sunday evenings from May 21 through October 18, 2026. Biltmore describes it as a first of its kind outdoor evening experience that uses projection mapping to layer light, imagery, and sound across the estate’s architecture and landscape as the sun sets behind the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The show was created in partnership with Klip Collective, a Philadelphia based design studio known for site specific projection work.
What Visitors Will See
Luminere features seven projection mapping experiences spread across the estate. Six of those are staged within the historic gardens, and the seventh illuminates the façade of Biltmore House itself, telling the estate’s story across the limestone exterior. The self paced route winds from the house through the gardens to the Conservatory, with a treescape installation also included along the way.
The Biltmore House illumination begins at nightfall and repeats twice each evening, 30 minutes apart. Garden illuminations also begin at nightfall and continue until 11 p.m. each evening through August 30.
Early Arrival and Pre Show Activities
Guests can begin their evening visit as early as 4:30 p.m. Biltmore recommends arriving early to take in Antler Hill Village and Winery, walk the gardens during golden hour, and watch the sun set from the South Terrace of Biltmore House.
Live music begins at 6 p.m., with soloists in the Walled Garden, duos and trios in the Stable Courtyard area, and seasonal light jazz throughout the gardens. A family zone in the Italian Garden opens at 6:30 p.m. with games and a Cornelia’s Clues seek and find activity for younger guests.
Food and Drink
The estate is offering specially crafted food and drink throughout the run of Luminere, including three pre order gourmet picnics packaged in keepsake coolers. Options include a Charcuterie and Cheese Picnic for two at $115, a Caviar and Sparkling Picnic for two at $215, and the Vanderbilt Gourmet Picnic for two at $325. Picnic orders must be placed by 12 p.m. on the day of the visit and are picked up at The Bake Shop in the Stable Courtyard after 5 p.m.
Grab and go offerings are available in the Stable Courtyard and Walled Garden, including the Biltmore Dairy Bar, a full service bar with a featured Luminere cocktail, and The Bake Shop. The Stable Café offers sit down dining close to the gardens, with five additional restaurant options available at Antler Hill Village and Winery and The Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Ticket Prices
A standard House and Grounds day visit ticket starts at $90, with admission free for ages 16 and under from May 22 through September 7. The Luminere, House and Grounds combination ticket, which Biltmore is marketing as its best value option, starts at $140, with a discount available for ages 16 and under.
Planning a Visit
Biltmore recommends planning to spend five to six hours on the estate for a full Luminere evening. The event is rain or shine, and Luminere tickets are non refundable, though guests can reschedule for a different evening if the show is cancelled due to severe weather.
Park and Ride Lots C and E offer accessible parking with round trip shuttle service to Biltmore House, and Park and Walk Lot B is available for guests who prefer a short walk. The Rampe Douce and roads through the gardens close to all vehicles at 6:30 p.m. except for the estate’s Garden Shuttle, which runs between Biltmore House and the Walled Garden.
Three of the seven illumination locations, the Italian Garden, Shrub Garden, and Pergola, require steps and are not accessible for guests with mobility challenges. The estate is offering a $15 discount for adults and a $7.50 discount for youth and child tickets for guests with mobility challenges. Photography and videography without flash are permitted, though recording and publishing videos longer than two minutes is prohibited.
Luminere includes strobing, flashing, simulated lighting, and periods of darkness. The estate advises guests with lighting sensitivity to consult a physician before attending.
Sources: Biltmore Estate (biltmore.com)
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