If you think you’ve seen all that the Biltmore Estate has to offer, think again. Spring 2026 sees a brand-new reason to visit: Luminere! This entrancing, outdoor light and sound experience, the first-of its kind in Biltmore’s 130-year history, opens select evenings, March 26th October 18th, 2026.
The Biltmore Estate is one of the Asheville area’s biggest attractions – and no wonder! Visiting the country’s largest privately owned home offers a truly rewarding and immersive experience. George Vanderbilt’s lavish, 19th-century retreat is a stunning example of Gilded Age grandeur and natural beauty.
The stunning, 250-room, French Renaissance mansion is the centerpiece of the 8,000-acre estate. Its opulent interiors, intricate woodwork, and historic details leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits. The mansion is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, groomed walking trails, forested hills, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Biltmore is also a favored destination for food and drink. The estate winery offers wine tastings and nearby estate restaurants provide delicious fare featuring local ingredients and regional flavors. Biltmore is also known as a popular destination for its special exhibitions and events.
Accommodations at Bent Creek Lodge puts you just 15 minutes from the Biltmore Estate. Our lodge’s peaceful setting provides the best of both worlds: quiet mountain-edge relaxation and easy access to the best Asheville has to offer.
See Biltmore in a Whole New Light: Luminere!
Luminere invites guests to explore Biltmore after dark in a way that’s never been offered before. As twilight settles over the Blue Ridge Mountains, projections, lighting, and motion bring the estate’s architecture and landscapes to life. All set to an original musical score performed in collaboration with the Asheville Symphony.
Luminere’s self-guided walking route takes you through some of the estate’s most beloved outdoor spaces. Each area is designed as its own luminous “chapter,” weaving in moments from the Vanderbilt story and the estate’s remarkable history. The experience culminates with breathtaking projections on the Biltmore House facade, images that tell stories from the estate’s rich past.
Tickets for Luminere are available in several options to fit the way you want to explore the estate. Choose an evening experience that includes just the outdoor lights and grounds. You can also add daytime admission to the historic Biltmore House, or even an exclusive guided house tour. Certain tickets even let you return the next day for more explorations. Fun!
The best part? When the night ends, you can return to the warm welcome of Bent Creek Lodge rather than some busy hotel corridor. No matter the purpose of your Asheville vacation, Luminere pairs beautifully with our lodge’s relaxing atmosphere.
Visit the Biltmore Estate website for tickets and more information.