I am so excited to announce that The Biltmore hosts Downton Abbey exhibit beginning November 8, 2019!

The Biltmore Hosts Downton Abbey Exhibit

A close up of the properly laid table from Downton Abbey
Photo Credit: Website

The Biltmore in Autumn
Photo Credit: The Biltmore Company

The conservatory of The Biltmore in Autumn
Photo Credit: The Biltmore Company

If you ever wanted to visit The Biltmore Estate in gorgeous Asheville, North Carolina this is the time to go. Not only is The Biltmore spectacular to tour on its own, but seeing the recreation of Downton Abbey is a huge added attraction. Plus Autumn in Asheville is magnificent. Way back in August 2004 Steve and I visited The Biltmore. We took every possible tour of the estate that was offered spending the entire day there. We even had an amazing lunch at the Winery Café. And we brought back a few lovely bottles of red wine, which of course are long gone now. We surely hope that we can make it back to The Biltmore before April 7, 2020 when the Downton Abbey Exhibit closes.

The Biltmore Lagoon in Autumn
Photo Credit: The Biltmore Company

A view of The Biltmore facade from the lagoon in Autumn
Photo Credit: The Biltmore Company

The regal dining room of Downton Abbey set for dinner.
Photo Credit: Website

I don’t know about you, but The Traveling Locavores were totally hooked on binge watching Downton Abbey a few years back. Our son loaned us the boxed set so we were able to watch it at our own pace. We were obsessed. We watched the show every free moment we had until sadly, we had watched every episode. And we would gladly have remained glued to our TVs if they continued for a few more years! I understand there is a Downton Abbey movie coming out this fall and you can be sure we will be seeing it. Although I doubt that it could possibly be as good as the series.

The intercom system of yore, the beckoning bells of Downton Abbey.
Photo Credit: Website

The Downton Abbey Kitchen
Photo Credit: Website

Some of the gorgeous gowns that appeared on Downton Abbey will be on display at the Biltmore.
Photo Credit: Website

According to the press release that I received: The Biltmore’s Downton Abbey immersive exhibition will feature set recreations, costumes and exclusive multimedia elements, providing guests with a chance to step inside the world of Carnival Films’ global television phenomenon and highly anticipated feature film, which will hit the big screen on Sept. 20, 2019 in the U.S. If you were a fan of Downton Abbey, and/or a fan of cooking, you can visit Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen! The exhibit will be showcased in two locations at Biltmore and will transport guests on an incredible journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey, providing an inside look into the world of the Crawleys and those that served them below stairs. It will also provide a fascinating look at all aspects of the post-Edwardian era in which the TV series is set, and offer in-depth insight into the remarkable events that shaped the world, such as World War I. At Biltmore’s Amherst, never-before-seen multimedia elements and the series’ most recognizable sets and artifacts will immerse guests in the social history, culture and memorable moments from the show. At Biltmore Legacy, guests will get an up-close look at more than 50 of the show’s costumes that were worn by their favorite actors including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith. Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is produced by NBCUniversal International Studios and Imagine Exhibitions. Biltmore marks the fourth stop on the exhibition’s U.S. tour, which has received wide critical acclaim. The exhibition made its U.S. debut in New York City in Nov. 2017, where it was hailed by the New York Times as, “a cleverly immersive experience mounted with the same exacting care as the show itself.” Following its debut, the exhibition completed a stop in West Palm Beach and is currently residing in Boston at The Castle at Park Plaza. “There are many parallels between Downton Abbey and Biltmore’s real-life story of the Vanderbilt family, their friends and staff. We know the world of Downton Abbey really resonates with our guests. With Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, we’re excited to provide a new, interactive experience unlike any we have had at Biltmore,” said Biltmore Director of Entertainment and Event Programming Travis Tatham. “Biltmore is an estate that is rich with history, so it makes for the perfect home for Downton Abbey: The Exhibition. For those only just embarking on the Downton journey or fans who have longed to experience its splendor, this is the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in the real sets and get up close to over 50 costumes and artifacts from the series. You can also see the historical context and subject matter behind the show, which you wouldn’t see otherwise, and learn more about the society, culture and issues, which led to the stories we told,” said Gareth Neame, Executive Chairman of Carnival Films and Executive Producer of Downton Abbey. Dominic Burns, SVP, Brand Management, NBCU added, “We are delighted to be bringing Downton Abbey: The Exhibition to the majestic setting of Biltmore for the fourth stop on our U.S. tour. The beautiful estate, with all of its treasures, will provide the perfect backdrop for our exhibition, which we are sure will hold fascinating appeal to Biltmore members and visitors.” For more information on the exhibition, please visit www.downtonexhibition.com.