Paine Art Center and Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Paine Art Center and Arboretum
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The Paine Art Center
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1410 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 14.7 acres (5.9 ha) |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Bryant Fleming |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival; Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals; Tudor Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000152 |
| Added to NRHP | December 1, 1978 |
The Paine Art Center and Gardens is a beautiful historic estate in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It features a grand mansion filled with art and is surrounded by lovely botanic gardens. The property is so important to American history that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
A Dream Home for the Public
The story of the Paine Art Center begins with Nathan and Jessie Paine. Nathan was a "lumber baron," which means he was a very successful businessman in the wood and timber industry.
In 1925, the Paines decided to build a special home. They hired an architect named Bryant Fleming to design it. From the very start, they didn't want the house just for themselves. Their dream was to create a place full of amazing art, furniture, and gardens that would be open for everyone to visit and learn from.
Building a Tudor-Style Mansion
Construction on the mansion began in 1927. It was designed in a style called Tudor Revival, which looks like the grand English homes from the Tudor period hundreds of years ago. The outside of the house was finished by 1930.
However, work suddenly stopped in 1932. The Great Depression, a time of great economic hardship in America, had a big impact on the Paine's lumber company. Because of this, they couldn't afford to finish the house.
Finishing the Project
The Paines never gave up on their dream. In 1946, they started working on the estate again. They created a non-profit organization to own and manage the property for the public.
Sadly, Nathan Paine passed away in 1947. His wife, Jessie, made sure their vision was completed. The Paine Art Center and Gardens finally opened to the public in 1948. Even though they built it, the Paines never actually lived in the mansion. Jessie Paine helped run the museum until she died in 1973 at the age of 100.
What to See at the Paine Center
The Paine estate is a special place with a historic house museum, art galleries, and large gardens.
Inside the Mansion
The house is filled with beautiful treasures. You can see paintings by French and American artists, sculptures, and detailed woodcarvings. The rooms also feature colorful Persian rugs, tapestries, and fancy silver and china from England and America. The Center often hosts new art exhibits and offers classes about art, architecture, and nature.
The Outdoor Gardens
The gardens are a major attraction. They are designed as twenty different "outdoor rooms," each with its own theme. Some look like classic, historical gardens, while others have a more modern style.
As a botanical garden, the grounds are home to thousands of different types of plants. It's a wonderful place to walk around and explore the beauty of nature.
Visiting the Center
The Paine Art Center and Gardens is located at 1410 Algoma Boulevard in Oshkosh. It is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday all year long. There is a fee to enter.
See also
- List of botanical gardens and arboretums in Wisconsin
- Index: Gardens in Wisconsin
