Downton Abbey Exhibit Biltmore is perhaps one of the most highly anticipated events at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. If you’re thinking of visiting the Biltmore Downtown Abbey exhibit, here’s everything to know!
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Biltmore Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is a limited time exhibit at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
(Similar to another limited time engagement at the Biltmore Estate – Chihuly at Biltmore. Check out our colorful photos from that memorable exhibition.)
The Biltmore Downton Abbey Exhibition showcases the hit television series that became a feature film in 2019. You will enjoy never-before seen interactive elements that bring the story to life through the characters, props, fashions and locations.
The Biltmore Downtown Abbey exhibit runs until April 7, 2020.
This Downton Abbey Exhibition is one that has been traveling across the country. In fact, our mom and aunt saw the exhibition in West Palm Beach, Florida, and shared with us how the Asheville exhibit was slightly different than the touring exhibit when in Florida.
For instance, mom said the Florida exhibit was a lot less intimate. You couldn’t get as close to the props and costumes as you can at Biltmore Estate.
Other touring locations of the Downtown Abbey Exhibition are often housed in one location. Downton Abbey Exhibit Biltmore Estate is housed in two different locations (The locations must be driven to, they are not walkable. However, there are free shuttle buses):
- Amherst at Deerpark
- The Biltmore Legacy at Antler Hill Village
Was Downton Abbey Filmed at Biltmore Estate?
No, the television show was not filmed at Biltmore Estate. However, the similarities between Downton Abbey and the real-life story of the Vanderbilt family at Biltmore Estate are remarkably similar.
The Vanderbilt family were pillars of American society. And they had a staff taking care of their every need, too, just like in Downton Abbey.
Part of the tour at Biltmore House is “downstairs” where the servants would have been busy cooking, cleaning, living and behaving just like the servants in Downton Abbey.
While filmed in two different countries, the lifestyle was very similar. And the houses (both Biltmore Estate and Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed) are both grand estates that were actually lived in.
Downton Abbey Biltmore Tickets
Admission to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is different depending on how you enter the Biltmore Estate.
- For day tickets sold during the Biltmore Downton Abbey exhibit time, admission to the Downton Abbey Exhibit will be included.
- Biltmore Annual Passholders will NOT be able to go to the Downton Abbey Exhibit with just their annual pass. A separate daytime admission to Downtown Abbey: The Exhibition must be purchased. (Prices range depending on date of visit. In January 2020 the price is $16, and gradually increases to a high of $20 in March and April.)
- Group Tickets admissions do not include admission to the Biltmore Downtown Abbey exhibit. Admission to the Downton Abbey exhibit will need to be purchased.
- Overnight guests at one of the two Biltmore Estate hotels with a package that includes daytime admission to the House WILL have admission to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition.
Do You Need a Reservation for Biltmore Downton Abbey Exhibit?
No, there is no need for a reservation.
However, you may need to wait longer on busy days.
From our personal experience, longer wait times are during the middle of the day, especially early afternoon. This is when a lot of tour groups are visiting the exhibit.
Consider arriving earlier in the morning or later in the day.
Hours (which are subject to change, so be sure to check the Biltmore Estate website) are:
- Downtown Abbey Exhibition at Amherst at Deerpark: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entry)
- Downtown Abbey Exhibition at The Biltmore Legacy: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last entry)
Downton Costumes Biltmore
One of the things that we enjoyed the most was looking at the Downton Abbey Clothes at Biltmore Estate. Costumes from the Downton Abbey show and the Downton Abbey movie can be seen close up at The Biltmore Legacy.
It was actually remarkable how close you could get to the historic and iconic costumes that were worn in the TV show and the movie. The attention to detail is astounding.
If you are a true fan of Downton Abbey, you will remember many of the Downton Abbey Clothes at Biltmore. They are from some of the most memorable scenes in the television series.
The Downton Costumes at Biltmore are located in an intimate area in Antler Hill Village. You can shop, eat and dine at the small village square. Next door, the Biltmore Estate Winery is open for free tours and tastings.
You really could make a long afternoon enjoying the Downton Abbey costumes, trying amazing wines, and shopping in unique stores. That’s before you sit back and relax on the village green and maybe listen to some live music if it’s playing that day.
Downton Abbey Exhibit Review
I brought my mom and husband, both Downton Abbey fans, to the Biltmore Downton Abbey exhibit. We went during November, soon after first opening and in the middle of the Biltmore Christmas crowds.
We liked the exhibition. It definitely was interesting to see the props and costume from the television show in person. And the chance to do it close to home was amazing!
When to Go
The crowds were pretty bad when we went to the exhibit in the Deerpark. It was about 1-2 p.m. and the number of tour buses was pretty big. However, keep in mind, this was during the Christmas season when crowds typically do get big.
I would suggest going to the Downtown Abbey exhibit early in the morning or towards closing. It seems that most tour groups probably follow the same timeline, which I’m guessing is:
- Biltmore House in the morning
- Gardens and free time
- Lunch
- Downton Abbey exhibit
- Antler Hill Village
If you can visit the Downton Abbey exhibit when tour groups are not likely to be there (such as mid to late afternoon), chances are you’ll have much less crowds. Because it was very difficult to read any of the plaques with so many people milling around.
Nothing says you have to visit the Biltmore House first during your visit to the Biltmore Estate! It’s not mandatory!
The Downtown Abbey Exhibition was really well done. I especially loved the film narrated by Carson at the beginning and the end of the exhibition.
Also, the interactive quiz where you can see what kind of Downton Abbey servant you’d be was pretty interesting. Here’s a few screenshots of when I took the quiz:
Keep in mind that you DON’T need to be a fan of the show – or even have seen the show – to like or appreciate the Downton Abbey Exhibit at Biltmore Estate.
In fact, I found the exhibit to be very general and broad as a dedicated viewer of the show. There’s not too much hidden secrets to be found while exploring the props and costumes. What there is to enjoy is an appreciation of the details of the sets and props. As well as a love of the period costumes and fashions that were so painstakingly brought to life.
Of course, there is a gift shop at the exit of the Deerpark exhibit. It was a lot of fun to see the unique gifts and souvenirs they have for Downton Abbey that can’t be found in most other stores, so be sure to leave time to shop!
As an avid enthusiast and expert in historical television series exhibits, particularly the Downton Abbey Exhibit at Biltmore Estate, allow me to share my insights and knowledge on the subject. My expertise stems from extensive research, firsthand experiences, and a profound understanding of the historical context surrounding the exhibit.
The Downton Abbey Exhibit at Biltmore Estate is a highly anticipated event that showcases the iconic television series and its transition to a feature film in 2019. This limited-time engagement, running until April 7, 2020, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Downton Abbey through interactive elements featuring characters, props, fashions, and locations.
The exhibit is housed in two distinct locations at the Biltmore Estate: Amherst at Deerpark and The Biltmore Legacy at Antler Hill Village. Unlike other touring locations, the Biltmore exhibit offers an intimate experience, allowing visitors to get up close to props and costumes. The attention to detail in the presentation of historic and iconic costumes from the show and movie is particularly remarkable.
Contrary to popular belief, Downton Abbey was not filmed at Biltmore Estate. However, the exhibit draws parallels between the fictional world of the TV show and the real-life story of the Vanderbilt family at Biltmore Estate, highlighting similarities in lifestyles and the grandeur of the estates.
For those planning a visit, it's essential to understand ticketing details. Admission to the Downton Abbey Exhibit varies depending on how visitors enter the Biltmore Estate. Day tickets during the exhibit period include admission to the exhibit, but Biltmore Annual Passholders need to purchase a separate admission. Group tickets also require additional admission. However, overnight guests at Biltmore Estate hotels with a package that includes daytime admission to the house will have access to the Downton Abbey Exhibit.
No reservations are required for the exhibit, but visitors may experience longer wait times on busy days. To optimize the experience, it's recommended to arrive earlier in the morning or later in the day, avoiding peak tour group times.
The exhibit review highlights the positive aspects of the Downton Abbey Exhibit at Biltmore, emphasizing the interesting display of props and costumes. The article also provides insights on when to visit to avoid crowds and suggests exploring the exhibit independently of other Biltmore attractions.
In conclusion, the Downton Abbey Exhibit at Biltmore Estate offers a captivating journey into the world of the beloved television series, blending history and entertainment in a unique and immersive experience.
