Music Room
Music Room Biltmore Mansion, Asheville, NC It is surprising that the Music Room was not completed in Vanderbilt's lifetime. It was not completed until 1976. Hitler’s efforts to seize and stockpile art—much of which was damaged or destroyed in the process—David Finley, the new director of the National Gallery of Art, contacted Biltmore to discuss the possibility of sending some of the nation’s most important art treasures there for safekeeping. Finley had visited Biltmore previously as a guest, and felt that Biltmore House was the perfect choice with its fireproof features and remote location. Edith Vanderbilt graciously agreed.
The unfinished Music Room on the first floor of Biltmore House was refitted with steel doors and other protective measures were taken, as outlined by the National Gallery of Art. On January 8, 1942, 62 paintings (including one of Gilbert Stuart’s iconic portraits of George Washington) and 17 sculptures arrived in Asheville under heavy guard. Biltmore had opened to the public in 1930 as a means of promoting tourism in Asheville. Guests now walked by the Music Room, unaware that some of the world’s greatest artwork was secretly hidden on the other side of the wall. The priceless artwork remained under 24-hour armed guard in America’s largest home until the fall of 1944, well after the danger of bombings or invasion had ended.
Music Room
Music Room Biltmore Mansion, Asheville, NC It is surprising that the Music Room was not completed in Vanderbilt's lifetime. It was not completed until 1976. Hitler’s efforts to seize and stockpile art—much of which was damaged or destroyed in the process—David Finley, the new director of the National Gallery of Art, contacted Biltmore to discuss the possibility of sending some of the nation’s most important art treasures there for safekeeping. Finley had visited Biltmore previously as a guest, and felt that Biltmore House was the perfect choice with its fireproof features and remote location. Edith Vanderbilt graciously agreed.
The unfinished Music Room on the first floor of Biltmore House was refitted with steel doors and other protective measures were taken, as outlined by the National Gallery of Art. On January 8, 1942, 62 paintings (including one of Gilbert Stuart’s iconic portraits of George Washington) and 17 sculptures arrived in Asheville under heavy guard. Biltmore had opened to the public in 1930 as a means of promoting tourism in Asheville. Guests now walked by the Music Room, unaware that some of the world’s greatest artwork was secretly hidden on the other side of the wall. The priceless artwork remained under 24-hour armed guard in America’s largest home until the fall of 1944, well after the danger of bombings or invasion had ended.