During our recent visit to Oshkosh, we stumbled upon a delightful attraction, full of history, art, and majestic landscaping. The Paine Art Center and Gardens was a key highlight of our entire trip.
The Paine is a non-profit organization—an English-inspired country estate located right in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Inside, the historic interior showcases vintage artworks, preserved history, and rotating exhibitions. Outside, there’s acres of flourishing botanical gardens surrounding a grand architectural centerpiece.
After dedicating a morning to stroll through The Paine Art Center and Gardens, we discovered that it’s a destination worth its own pilgrimage.
Thanks to the Paine for hosting us during our visit!
History of the Paine Art Center and Gardens
According to the Paine website, Nathan Paine, a lumber magnate, and Jessie Kimberly Paine, heir to the Kimberly‑Clark fortune, set out in 1925 to design an English‑inspired estate in Oshkosh.
The pair commissioned architect Bryant Fleming to bring their vision to life, and started construction in 1927. They wanted a Tudor Revival masterpiece that would intentionally feel like it had grown over three centuries. The exterior finished by 1930, though the Great Depression paused further work.
Nathan died in 1947. And while the Paine family never lived in the mansion, Jessie opened the estate to the public officially in 1948. From there, the Paine flourished as an art museum and garden, fulfilling their original dream.
An English Country Castle in Wisconsin
The Paine feels like an authentic English country estate, straight from a Bridgerton scene.
The exterior has a mix of arches, chimneys, windows, and facades, paired with stately green space. According to the Paine, builders used fireproof steel, concrete, and Kasota limestone quarried in Minnesota—resulting in a polished, marble-like finish.
Inside, the mansion is full of gorgeous detail: hand-carved oak, walnut joinery, stained-glass window touches, a beautiful carved staircase. The rooms are inspired by Georgian, Jacobean, and Tudor-Elizabethan eras. There are landscape paintings, era-appropriate furnishings, and rooms set up as though you were meeting with the Paine family over tea.
It really feels like a step into a different era, and the Paine preserves history so beautifully through its thoughtful touches of art and design.
Gardens and grounds
The Paine Art Center and Gardens feels like a Bridgerton set, especially outside. They have four acres of meticulously designed garden “rooms” that change with the seasons.
There are twenty themed garden spaces on the property, each blending native and exotic plants. It’s so easy to stroll and daydream and get lost among the greenery—trellises, fountains, and countless paths lead the way.
We were obsessed with the gardens at the Paine, and can understand why the property serves as a popular wedding venue and must-see location in Oshkosh. Truly, they’re magical and worth seeing.
Art and exhibitions
The mansion houses a rotating collection of art. French Barbizon and American landscape art, sculptures, textiles, decorative objects, Persian rugs, and English and American silver and china fill the Paine.
During our visit, we got to see an exhibit on Native American basket weaving. It was incredible to learn about the history and cultural significance of weaving, and to see the beautiful pieces throughout the Paine’s galleries.
Quick details for visiting the Paine
- Website: www.thepaine.org
- Address: 1410 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901
- Hours and prices: The Paine is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission ranges from $9–$12 for adults and $5–$7 for youth, depending on season. Tickets available to purchase online.
- Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
- Accessibility and amenities: The gardens, conservatory, and carriage house are fully wheelchair accessible, and the mansion has an elevator.
- Photography: Amateur photography is allowed with paid admission. Professional shoots require permits and scheduling in advance.
Worth it
The Paine Art Center and Gardens is majestic, thanks to its timeless architecture, beauty, and preserved history. Make time in Oshkosh to wander the pathways, climb the grand staircase, peer into era-frozen rooms, and daydream among the flowers.
The Paine is classic, poetic, atmospheric—a true jewel that invites you to find your own sunshine.
When you visit, be sure to let them know that Sunshine with Savannah sent you!
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.
Nice work – strolling through natures wonders and finding beauty in that castle!
Such a stunning setting combining nature and history! Thank you so much for reading.