Biltmore Exhibit Delves into the Background of Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is just around the corner, or down the road, so to speak.

Biltmore is hosting an immersive exhibition featuring re-creations, costumes and multimedia elements from the historical period drama set in an English country house in the Yorkshire countryside. Downton Abbey aired for six seasons on Masterpiece on PBS. Reaching more than 26 million viewers in its final season, it became the highest-rated PBS drama series. That was followed up by a 2019 film that continued the television storyline, with much of the original cast returning.

The Biltmore exhibition transports guests on a journey through the grand home seen on Downton Abbey, providing an inside look into the world of the Crawley family and those that served them below stairs. It offers visitors a look at all aspects of the post-Edwardian era in which the TV series is set, and insight into the events that shaped England in the early 20th century.

 “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,” said Travis Tatham, director of entertainment and event programming at Biltmore.

“We’re excited to provide a new, interactive experience unlike any we have had,” he said.

The exhibit, which runs through April 7, is showcased in two locations at the Biltmore Estate, offering visitors a chance to step inside the world of the television show and feature film, much like major attractions at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando.

“The beautiful estate, with all of its treasures, provides the perfect backdrop for our exhibition, which we are sure will hold fascinating appeal to Biltmore members and visitors,” said Dominic Burns, senior vice president of brand management at  NBC Universal, whose Carnival Films division was responsible for the television show and produced the feature film.

The exhibition made its U.S. debut in New York City in late 2017, hailed by the New York Times as “a cleverly immersive experience mounted with the same exacting care as the show itself.” The exhibition appeared in West Palm Beach and Boston prior to arrival at Biltmore.

At Biltmore’s Amherst venue, the exhibit offers the series’ most recognizable sets and artifacts. At the Biltmore Legacy, guests can 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.

“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,” said Gareth Neame, executive chairman of Carnival Films and executive producer of Downton Abbey. “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,” he said.

“Biltmore is an estate that is rich with history, so it makes for the perfect home for Downton Abbey: The Exhibition.”

“Guests love the costumes in Biltmore Legacy. They comment on the attention to detail and how it really makes the costumes showcase the elegant lifestyle,” Tatham said.

“At Biltmore’s Amherst, our guests enjoy reading about the characters and learning more about their role,” he said. “Seeing firsthand the sets like Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen, Mary‘s bedroom and the Crawley’s dining room make the guests feel like they are in standing in Highclere Castle.”