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ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Downton Abbey: The Exhibition will open at Biltmore in Asheville on Nov. 8, 2019, for a limited engagement through April 7, 2020. This immersive exhibition will feature set re-creations, costumes and exclusive multimedia elements, providing guests with a chance to step inside the world of Carnival Films’ global television phenomenon and highly anticipated feature film, which will hit the big screen on Sept. 20 in the United States.

Showcased in two locations at Biltmore, the exhibition will transport guests on an incredible journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey, providing an inside look into the world of the Crawleys and those that served them below stairs. It will also provide a fascinating look at all aspects of the post-Edwardian era in which the TV series is set, and offer in-depth insight into the remarkable events that shaped the world, such as World War I. At Biltmore’s Amherst, never-before-seen multimedia elements and the series’ most recognizable sets and artifacts will immerse guests in the social history, culture and memorable moments from the show. At Biltmore Legacy, guests will get an up-close look at more than 50 of costumes worn by their favorite actors including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is produced by NBCUniversal International Studios and Imagine Exhibitions. Biltmore marks the fourth stop on the exhibition’s U.S. tour, which has received wide critical acclaim. The exhibition made its U.S. debut in New York City in November 2017, where it was hailed by the New York Times as, “a cleverly immersive experience mounted with the same exacting care as the show itself.” Following its debut, the exhibition completed a stop in West Palm Beach and is currently residing in Boston at The Castle at Park Plaza.

“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. With Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, we’re excited to provide a new, interactive experience unlike any we have had at Biltmore,” said Biltmore Director of Entertainment and Event Programming Travis Tatham.

“Biltmore is an estate that is rich with history, so it makes for the perfect home for Downton Abbey: The Exhibition. 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. 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.” said Gareth Neame, Executive Chairman of Carnival Films and Executive Producer of Downton Abbey.

Dominic Burns, SVP, Brand Management, NBCU added, “We are delighted to be bringing Downton Abbey: The Exhibition to the majestic setting of Biltmore for the fourth stop on our U.S. tour. The beautiful estate, with all of its treasures, will provide the perfect backdrop for our exhibition, which we are sure will hold fascinating appeal to Biltmore members and visitors.”

For more information on the exhibition, please visit www.downtonexhibition.com.

Find photos here.

About Biltmore:
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt.  Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques.  Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture.  Today, Biltmore has grown to include Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; The Inn on Biltmore Estate, a four-star accommodation; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE. 

About Downton Abbey:
Downton Abbey aired for six seasons on MASTERPIECE on PBS in the US and reached more than 26 million viewers in its final season, making it the highest-rated PBS drama series of all time. A Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production, the series was written and created by Julian Fellowes and executive produced by Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge, Nigel Marchant and Fellowes. The MASTERPIECE Executive Producers were Rebecca Eaton and Susanne Simpson. Downton Abbey is one of the largest UK drama exports of all time, seen in over 250 territories worldwide. With 15 wins and 69 nominations, it is the most nominated non-US show in the history of the Emmys. Also, the winner of three Golden Globes, a special BAFTA and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, the series has captured an extensive fan-base worldwide. Downton Abbey the movie is set to be released later this year. The movie is a Carnival Films production, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures International distributing.

About Carnival Films:
Carnival Films is a division of NBCUniversal International Studios and one of the UK’s leading drama specialists. The company is responsible for the global television phenomenon Downton Abbey and current primetime series such as The Last Kingdom for Netflix, Jamestown for Sky One and upcoming Belgravia for ITV / EPIX. The company is currently producing the Downton Abbey movie, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures International distributing. Other shows produced over Carnival’s history include Poirot, Hotel Babylon, Whitechapel and Dracula, as well as award-winning mini-series such as Traffik, Any Human Heart, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies and The Hollow Crown anthology. Carnival has received a host of national and international awards including Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes and BAFTAs, and has been recognised as the UK’s best production company at both the Bulldog Awards and Broadcast Awards.

About PBS:
PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12^th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org. 

About MASTERPIECE:
MASTERPIECE has been essential Sunday night viewing for millions of fans since 1971. Presented on PBS by WGBH Boston, MASTERPIECE is known for beloved classics such as Upstairs Downstairs, Prime Suspect, The Forsyte Saga and Poldark, and recent hits such as Sherlock, Victoria and Downton Abbey. Downton Abbey appeared on MASTERPIECE for six seasons from 2011-2016. The series garnered 69 Emmy® nominations and 15 wins, three Golden Globes, and four SAG Awards. Downton Abbey had the most viewers of any drama in PBS history. Funding for MASTERPIECE is provided by Viking and Raymond James with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The MASTERPIECE Trust.

About Imagine Exhibitions:
A world leader in narrative-driven, immersive theatrical design, Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., creates sophisticated, high quality experiences for museums, brands, venues and integrated resorts across the globe. From ideation to operation, Imagine’s team of industry pioneers draws upon decades of success in the fields of education, awareness, and entertainment to consistently create and implement memorable and thought-provoking environments. The Company’s custom experiences deliver focused messaging and serve to increase attendance wherever they are presented.  

Imagine Exhibitions is currently presenting more than 30 unique exhibitions in museums, science centers, aquariums, integrated resorts, and non-traditional venues worldwide. The Company also continues to design, open, and operate its own venues, along with creating and implementing permanent and semi-permanent museum, brand, and entertainment properties. For more information, visit www.ImagineExhibitions.com. 

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CONTACT:

LeeAnn Donnelly
828-225-6725
ldonnelly@biltmore.com

Marissa Jamison
828-225-6798
mjamison@biltmore.com

Mallory Flynn
828-225-1285
mflynn@biltmore.com