Your Luminere visit

More considerations (our FAQs)

• What should I “know before I go” to Biltmore for my Luminere visit?

  Luminere is a self-guided, self-paced outdoor experience that features a total of seven projection mapping illumination experiences: six in the gardens, and one on the façade of Biltmore House. Please see our map for best viewing areas for those with mobility challenges. 

  Because this is an outdoor experience that takes place after dark, we recommend: 

  • Wearing comfortable shoes 
  • Dressing in layers 
  • Bringing an umbrella and monitoring local weather forecasts: Luminere is a rain or shine event 
  • Navigating carefully; garden paths feature low-level guiding light so as not to interfere with the projected illuminations 
  • Being mindful of other guests, who may stop frequently to take pictures or videos 
• Where should I park?

  Park & Ride Lots C & E (ADA Accessible)
  Park here to ride the round-trip Park & Ride shuttle that runs between the Park & Ride building and Biltmore House.  

  Park & Walk Lot B 

  Park here and enjoy a short walk to Biltmore House.  

  NOTE: Park & Walk Lot A will be closed in the evenings. 

• Will there be shuttles available?

  Yes! We’ll have three shuttles (ALL of which are accessible to wheelchair and stroller users) for Luminere evenings:  

  Park & Ride Shuttle providing round-trip service between the Park & Ride building and Biltmore House 

  Garden Shuttle providing round-trip service between Biltmore House and the Gardener’s Cottage in the Walled Garden 

  Lodging Shuttle providing round-trip service between The Inn and Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate®, and Biltmore House 

  NOTE: Lodging Shuttle is exclusively for the estate’s overnight guests. 

  For more accessibility information, view Estate Accessibility, or contact the Reception and Ticketing Sales Center or Guest Services. For more shuttle service information, view Estate Transportation. 

• Will the gardens be available for guest parking in the evenings?

  No. To ensure guest safety, the Rampe Douce and roads into and through the gardens will be closed after 5 p.m. to ALL vehicles except our Garden Shuttle. 

• Where do I pick up my Luminere wristband?

  Daytime guests
  If you arrive before 4:30 p.m. for daytime Biltmore House admission, or to use the grounds portion of your ticket before Luminere, have your admission ticket(s) scanned at any Guest Services location to receive your wristband(s). 

  Evening guests
  If you arrive at 4:30 p.m. or later, your admission ticket(s) will be scanned at the Admissions Gate. Show your ticket(s) again at Park & Ride or the Biltmore House zone entrance to receive your wristband(s). 

  Overnight guests
  Pick up your wristband(s) at your hotel’s front desk.

  All Luminere guests must have, wear, and display wristbands prior to entering the Biltmore House zone.

• What happens if Luminere is cancelled due to inclement weather?

  Luminere is a “rain or shine” evening event, and Luminere tickets are non-refundable.

  • If light rain occurs, the show will go on.
  • If rain is such that it impedes the video productions, or if there is lightning, Biltmore will either cancel or delay the show. Designated shelter areas are noted on our Luminere event map.
  • If the show is cancelled for the evening due to inclement weather, you may use your ticket (or gift it to another guest to use) on a different Luminere evening. When ready to reschedule your visit, you (or the guest to whom you gifted your ticket) will call 800-411-3812 with the ticket’s confirmation number.
• Is Luminere suitable for guests with lighting sensitivity?

  Luminere includes lighting effects, projections on the outside of buildings and landscapes, strobing, flashing, simulated lighting, and periods of darkness. If you or any member of your party have/has sensitivities to these effects, we recommend you/they consult your/their physician prior to attending.  

• Is Luminere accessible?

  Due to the historic nature of Biltmore, steps are required to visit the Italian Garden, the Shrub Garden, and the Pergola, which means these three Luminere illumination locations are not accessible for guests with mobility challenges.  

  Please see our event map , which indicates accessible (step-free) viewing locations for the Biltmore House and Italian Garden illuminations, step-free pathways, and Garden Shuttle stops from which the Walled Garden and Conservatory are accessible. 

  We offer the following Luminere admission discounts for guests with mobility challenges: $15 off for Adults | $7.50 off for Youth/Child  

  NOTE: All restrooms and shuttles are accessible, our Park & Ride Shuttle provides round-trip service between the Park & Ride building and Biltmore House, and our Garden Shuttle provides round-trip service between Biltmore House and the Walled Garden. 

• Can I bring outside food and beverage to Luminere?

  Outside food and beverage is not permitted after 5 p.m. in the House and Gardens area on Luminere evenings.

  Tailgating, including the use of tents, grills, multiple camping chairs/tables, and large coolers, is not permitted in Biltmore parking lots or on the grounds.

  No outside alcohol is ever permitted on Biltmore property.

• Where can I enjoy my artisan picnic or grab & go items?

  Prime picnic locations include: 

  • The sloped lawn in front of Diana
  • The hill behind Rampe Douce
  • Biltmore House Front Lawn between the Fountain and Rampe Douce
  • Throughout the gardens, including Italian Garden, Shrub Garden, and Walled Garden

  For additional picnic spot recommendations, visit Guest Services.

• Will there be seating available in front of Biltmore House or in the gardens?

  Biltmore House 

  There will be no seating provided in front of Biltmore House, but you are welcome to bring a blanket or chair(s). Please do not “save your space” by placing blankets or chairs inside the Biltmore House viewing area in advance of the Biltmore House illumination. Keep in mind you won’t be able to take blankets and chairs inside Biltmore House unless they can fit inside a bag no larger than 19″ x 14″ x 9″. 

  Gardens 

  There will be a limited amount of chairs and bench seating within the Walled Garden. 

• Can I take photos or videos of Luminere?

  Yes! Photography/videography (by cell phone or small cameras, without flash) of Luminere is permitted. NOTE: Recording and publishing videos longer than 2 minutes is prohibited. 

• Are pets allowed?

  Pets are not permitted at Luminere, however, service animals are always welcome.

  Luminere includes strobing, flashing, simulated lighting, low-light conditions, and changing sounds that can be overstimulating for many animals and may cause stress, other health concerns, or increased risk of incidents with other animals and in crowded conditions. For their comfort and safety, we ask that all pets remain at home.

• Any policies to be aware of for my visit?

  Bag policies
  Guests may bring a personal bag no larger than 19″ x 14″ x 9″ into Biltmore House. 

  If your bag does not meet these requirements, please leave it in your vehicle or ask about storage options. Exceptions will be made for medical items after inspection. 

  Backpacks are not allowed on any guided tours, including Rooftop, Backstairs, Exclusive, and Expert-Guided tours. Guests are required to leave backpacks in a locker or in their vehicle. 

  We reserve the right to refuse admission for any bag, parcel, or other item. 

  Weapons/Firearms

  Weapons/firearms* are prohibited. 

  *Biltmore is a privately owned estate with both Security Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers on the property. In the interest of public safety, and for the safety of Biltmore employees and officers, Biltmore does not permit weapons/firearms inside Biltmore House, during Luminere, or in estate establishments that serve alcohol. 

  See full Weapons/Firearms policy.