by Mat Dirjish
Biltmore Estate, a historic house museum and tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina, is hosting Luminere, described as an outdoor evening experience that transforms the estate’s historic grounds through light, imagery, and sound. Starting at sunset, the event is open on select evenings and runs through October 18, 2026.
The fruit of a collaboration with experiential design studio Klip Collective, Luminere uses projection mapping, lighting, and music to reimagine Biltmore House and its surrounding landscapes. The studio’s previous work includes installations for the Sundance Film Festival, Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Debuting during Biltmore’s 130th anniversary year, Luminere is the estate’s first large-scale evening experience beyond the holidays. The experience reflects the Vanderbilt family’s long-standing appreciation for art and design, as well as archival accounts of lantern-lit garden parties held on the estate in the 1920s.
Luminere follows a route through outdoor settings that include Biltmore House, formal gardens, the Conservatory, and a treescape. The gardens interact with light and evolve throughout the seasons, integrating technology with the estate’s natural landscape. Each area incorporates projections, custom lighting, and an original musical score composed by Julian Grefe, which includes recordings captured inside Biltmore House.
Luminere also offers optional culinary offerings, such as picnics ranging from charcuterie and regional cheeses to caviar and sparkling wine. Restaurants on the estate offer seasonal menus with cocktails and desserts made with estate-grown ingredients.
Topping off the experience, the optional Artistic Legacies tour is available and highlights the Vanderbilt family’s art collection. The tour includes works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Whistler, along with original artwork by Cornelia Vanderbilt on display for the first time.
The experience operates in most weather conditions including light rain. Lodging packages are available for guests seeking extended stays. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Luminere website.
Mat Dirjish Online 