ASHEVILLE - The true stories of those aboard the historic Titanic are coming to Asheville, part of a traveling exhibition at Biltmore Estate.
On Dec. 26, Biltmore will open "Titanic: The Human Story," in partnership with the international exhibition producer and owner, Musealia of Spain, and curated by renowned Titanic historian Claes-Göran Wetterholm.
"Titanic: The Human Story" will be exhibited at Amherst at Biltmore through Jan. 9, during the Christmas at Biltmore program, which runs from Nov. 3 to Jan. 10.
More than a century after the Titanic sank in 1912, the exhibition will feature personal accounts of those who experienced it and more than 200 original artifacts, including photographs, handwritten letters, and personal keepsakes and other
original belongings of Titanic passengers and crew.
What is Biltmore's 'Titanic: The Human Story' exhibition?
Wetterholm developed "Titanic: The Human Story" over more than 40 years of research. Musealia supports preserving the Titanic wreckage as a UNESCO-protected underwater site.
Three-dimensional recreations of the selected areas of the ship and immersive storytelling by acclaimed Titanic experts will further detail the tragic journey and offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those aboard.
An audio guide will be available, providing original testimonies, narration, music and sound effects.
What is the connection between the Titanic and Biltmore Estate?
Two costumes from the 1997 film "Titanic" will be on display at the exhibition center.
The exhibition will also reveal a link to the famed Vanderbilt family.
In 1895, Biltmore House, a 250-room château known as America’s Largest Home, opened on Biltmore Estate as the home of George W. Vanderbilt and is still operated by his descendants and his wife, Edith.
"Titanic: The Human Story" will include Biltmore archives showing that members of the Vanderbilt family were originally scheduled to sail on the Titanic’s maiden voyage and will provide an exclusive account of what prevented the Vanderbilts from boarding.
In 2018, Biltmore exhibited costumes from the Oscar-winning film "Titanic" in "Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie" in Biltmore House, including hats, gowns, jewelry, and tuxedos worn by Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kathy Bates and others.
What else is happening at Biltmore Estate?
"Titanic: The Human Story" is suitable for all ages. Tickets to the exhibition include a daytime visit to Biltmore House and free access to the grounds the next day.
Biltmore's immersive outdoor projection and sound experience, "Luminere," closes Oct. 18.
On Dec. 5, Hallmark Channel's new original holiday movie, "A Grand Biltmore Christmas," will premiere on the network. It's the second movie, filmed primarily at Biltmore House, following "A Biltmore Christmas," released in 2023.
To purchase tickets to "Titanic: The Human Story" exhibition and other experiences, visit Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.
Watch the trailer for the exhibition on Biltmore's YouTube channel here.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Co., covering the food and beverage industry, including the James Beard Awards, Michelin Awards, restaurant openings, closings and other hospitality industry news and events. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram. Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Biltmore announces Titanic exhibit with 200+ artifacts, stories, more
