Memphis Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium | Memphis

The Memphis Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium, now officially part of the Museum of Science & History (MoSH), is one of the most prominent and multifaceted cultural institutions in Memphis. It occupies a sprawling 170,000-square-foot complex at 3050 Central Avenue, blending local history, science education, natural exhibits, and astronomical presentations. Its nickname, "Pink Palace," comes from the signature pink Georgian marble used in the original mansion's facade, once intended as the private home of grocery pioneer Clarence Saunders.

ORIGINS AND ARCHITECTURE

The museum's story begins in the early 1920s, when Clarence Saunders, founder of the Piggly Wiggly chain (the first self-service grocery store), began constructing a lavish mansion using pink marble. However, financial misfortunes during the stock market crash of 1923 forced him to abandon the project. The unfinished home was donated to the City of Memphis and was eventually transformed into a museum, officially opening to the public in 1930.

Architecturally, the mansion remains a focal point, with a three-story grand lobby, marble staircases, and the iconic WPA murals painted in the 1930s by Burton Callicott, depicting Hernando de Soto’s 1541 expedition, prominently displayed in the rotunda.

CORE EXHIBITS

1. Cultural and Local History

The museum explores Memphis's historical journey from its founding through major social and economic shifts:

Replica of the first Piggly Wiggly store: Visitors walk through a recreated 1916 self-service grocery store, a tribute to Saunders's innovation.

Early Memphis Life Exhibits: Dioramas and artifacts present scenes from Native American life, Spanish explorers, Civil War Memphis, and the yellow fever epidemics.

Medical History of the Mid-South: Displays chart the evolution of regional healthcare and medical innovations.

Cotton and Commerce: Exhibits highlight the role of cotton in shaping the economy, infrastructure, and social divisions of Memphis.

2. Natural History & Science

The science wing combines education with entertainment, making it a favorite for families and students.

Dinosaur Exhibits: Includes animatronic dinosaurs, fossil casts, and life-sized skeletal reconstructions.

Fossils and Geology: Features Mississippi River bluffs' rock formations, crystals, minerals, and evidence of prehistoric sea life in the region.

Live Seismograph Station: Reflects Memphis’s position near the New Madrid Seismic Zone, offering real-time earthquake tracking.

Ecology Displays: Includes realistic habitats with taxidermy specimens of regional animals, bird migrations, and ecosystems.

3. The Clyde Parke Miniature Circus

A remarkable hand-carved and fully operational mechanical miniature circus, created by Clyde Parke. It spans over 3,000 square feet, includes thousands of tiny figures, rides, acrobats, animals, and working parts that perform short "shows" throughout the day. It’s one of the museum’s most beloved and whimsical attractions.

SHARPE PLANETARIUM

The Sharpe Planetarium, also known as the AutoZone Dome, is a 130+ seat, full-dome theater that offers:

Star Shows: High-definition presentations about constellations, planets, black holes, nebulae, and galaxy formation.

Laser Music Shows: Themed to artists like Pink Floyd, Queen, and Daft Punk, combining music with dazzling visuals.

Seasonal Skies: Real-time guided star tours based on current night skies over Memphis.

The planetarium’s modern projection system was renovated in 2016, enabling live narration and more interactive programming. It's a major educational resource, with shows adapted for both school groups and general audiences.

GIANT IMAX/3D THEATER

This theater features a four-story screen with digital laser projection and surround sound, showing nature documentaries, cultural films, and sometimes mainstream 3D movies. With comfortable stadium seating and stunning visuals, it’s another cornerstone of the museum's educational mission.

Examples of popular showings include:

Flight of the Butterflies

Dinosaurs Alive

Backyard Wilderness

Hubble 3D

The theater also complements classroom instruction with matching educational content available for field trips and homeschool programs.

SPECIALIZED EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

The Pink Palace hosts rotating exhibitions from national and international institutions on topics ranging from ancient Egypt to robotics to Civil Rights.

Major seasonal events and programs include:

Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees (Winter holiday exhibit and fundraiser)

Laser Light Music Shows

Science of Wine/Science of Beer (Educational and social adult programs)

Public Lectures and Workshops

Teacher training, homeschool days, and science fairs

FACILITIES AND ACCESS

Museum Store: Offers science kits, books, toys, and Memphis-themed gifts.

On-site Café: Seasonal and event-based food service is sometimes available.

Accessible: Fully ADA compliant, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Free Parking: Ample spaces available in museum lots.

ADMISSION AND HOURS

Museum Only:

Adults: ~$11.75

Seniors: ~$11.25

Children (3–12): ~$6.25

Under 3: Free

Combination Tickets:

Museum + Planetarium or IMAX available at discounted bundled rates

Free Tuesdays: Shelby County residents receive free general museum admission on Tuesdays after 1:00 PM (excludes theater/planetarium)

Hours:

Wednesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays

PART OF THE MOSH SYSTEM

MoSH includes several other affiliated historic and scientific sites:

Lichterman Nature Center: A 65-acre nature preserve with trails, lake, and wildlife viewing.

Mallory-Neely House: A restored 25-room Victorian mansion in downtown Memphis.

Magevney House: One of the oldest surviving residences in Memphis, from the 1830s.

Coon Creek Science Center: A fossil dig site in Adamsville offering hands-on paleontology.

SUMMARY

The Memphis Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium is far more than a traditional museum. It’s a layered, enriching destination where science, history, culture, and entertainment intersect. From prehistoric fossils and Civil War stories to starry skies and futuristic films, it offers something for every visitor-young or old, curious or scholarly. Rooted in Memphis's past and focused on inspiring future generations, the Pink Palace remains a vibrant cultural cornerstone in the Mid-South.