Palaces for the People

Raphael Guastavino, a famous architect and tile artist from Spain, created more than 600 tile domes and vaultings from 1882 to 1943 in 31 states and 6 countries. His former estate was located in Black Mountain, North Carolina and now belongs to Christmount Conference Center. The Swannanoa Valley Museum will host an exhibition, running until December 1, 2017. Guastavino was responsible for Asheville's St. Lawerence Basilica, the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America, in which he is buried beneath. He also assisted George Vanderbilt work on areas of the Biltmore Estate. The Swannanoa Valley Museum will include an enormous iron bell, a large fountain, a four-piece parlor set rescued from a fire in the old house, and a black dress Guastavino's widow wore for several decades. 

Visiting times reoccur weekly Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until December 2.