Museum of Science & History (MoSH) | Memphis

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) in Memphis, Tennessee-formerly known as the Pink Palace Museum-is a multifaceted institution that blends history, science, technology, culture, and natural exhibits into one expansive, interactive experience. Located at 3050 Central Avenue, MoSH is the city’s most comprehensive educational museum and serves as the central hub for a network of science and heritage sites throughout the Memphis area.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The museum began as the private estate of Clarence Saunders, the founder of Piggly Wiggly-the world’s first self-service grocery store. Construction began in the early 1920s using striking pink Georgian marble, which gave the building its nickname: the Pink Palace. Saunders lost his fortune before completing the mansion, and in the late 1920s, the unfinished structure was donated to the city of Memphis. It was transformed into a museum that opened to the public in 1930.

Over time, the museum expanded to become a major educational and cultural institution. In 2021, the museum rebranded as MoSH (Museum of Science & History) to reflect its broader mission and the inclusion of affiliated sites.

CORE EXHIBITS AND GALLERIES

1. Cultural History Wing

Piggly Wiggly Replica Store: An exact, walk-in reproduction of the world’s first self-service grocery store from 1916, celebrating Saunders’ retail innovation.

Early Memphis Exhibits: Dioramas and artifacts showcasing Native American life, Spanish exploration, pioneer settlements, Civil War era Memphis, and yellow fever outbreaks.

Medical History of the Mid-South: Chronicles local advancements in medicine, public health, and the founding of major Memphis hospitals.

2. Natural History & Science

Dinosaur and Fossil Hall: Life-size dinosaur models, fossil casts, and animatronic exhibits alongside educational panels on evolution and extinction.

Earthquake and Seismology Station: Real-time tracking of seismic activity in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which threatens the Memphis region.

Geology and Minerals: Displays of local and global crystals, rocks, and gemstones, as well as volcanic activity and plate tectonics.

Ecosystems and Wildlife: Dioramas featuring taxidermied native species in recreated environments, such as wetlands, forests, and rivers.

3. Clyde Parke Miniature Circus

A rare, handcrafted mechanical circus with thousands of moving parts-created by Memphis artist Clyde Parke over several decades. It features acrobats, animals, parades, and musical routines in miniature, often operating during scheduled performances.

4. Burton Callicott Murals

Commissioned during the WPA (Works Progress Administration) era, these massive murals in the rotunda depict Hernando de Soto’s 16th-century expedition through the Mississippi Valley. They remain a visual centerpiece and are preserved as art and history.

SHARPE PLANETARIUM (AUTOZONE DOME)

The Sharpe Planetarium is a 130-seat, full-dome digital theater offering immersive astronomical shows. Programs include:

Star Shows: Real-time guided tours of current night skies, celestial navigation, and seasonal constellations.

Cosmic Journeys: Pre-rendered films on black holes, solar systems, exoplanets, and the history of the universe.

Laser Shows: Popular music-based laser displays (e.g., Pink Floyd, Queen, and holiday-themed visuals), combining sound with strobe-style lighting and animations.

The planetarium's modern digital projection system allows for live narration and real-time sky simulation, making it both educational and visually stunning.

CTI GIANT SCREEN THEATER (IMAX EXPERIENCE)

This state-of-the-art 3D and 2D digital theater offers a four-story screen with surround sound and crystal-clear resolution. Films range from educational documentaries to natural world explorations and often tie in with ongoing exhibits.

Typical film topics include:

Ocean life and coral reef preservation

Space exploration and NASA missions

Prehistoric earth and dinosaurs

Climate change and conservation

The theater supports STEM learning and is used extensively for school programming and public events.

ROTATING EXHIBITS

MoSH frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, often sourced from national museums or scientific institutions. Recent examples include:

“Real Bodies” – Anatomical and medical displays

“Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs” – Artifacts from ancient Egypt

“Dinosaurs in Motion” – Mechanical dinosaur sculptures visitors can manipulate

“The Science of Guinness World Records” – Physics, biology, and statistics behind record-breaking feats

These exhibits bring new dimensions to repeat visits and align with educational programming.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

MoSH offers rich programming for visitors of all ages:

School field trips and homeschool days: Curriculum-aligned tours and activities in natural sciences, space, and Tennessee history.

Public lectures: Featuring guest scientists, historians, authors, and local experts.

Seasonal camps and workshops: Covering robotics, astronomy, paleontology, and hands-on engineering.

Adult science events: “Science of Beer,” “Science of Wine,” and trivia nights that blend fun with education.

Holiday events: The annual Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees transforms the museum into a winter wonderland.

SATELLITE SITES OF MOSH

MoSH is the umbrella institution for several affiliated historical and environmental locations in and around Memphis:

Lichterman Nature Center: A 65-acre certified arboretum with hiking trails, a lake, wildlife observation stations, and interactive exhibits.

Mallory-Neely House: An 1852 Victorian mansion in downtown Memphis preserved with period furnishings and guided tours.

Magevney House: One of Memphis’s oldest structures, dating to the 1830s, with insight into early immigrant life.

Coon Creek Science Center (Adamsville, TN): A working fossil dig site rich in marine Cretaceous fossils, open for group excursions and paleontology programs.

VISITOR SERVICES

Operating Hours:

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

Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays

Admission (General Museum Only):

Adults ~$11.75

Seniors ~$11.25

Children (3–12) ~$6.25

Free for kids under 3

Bundle tickets available for planetarium and theater

Free Admission: Shelby County residents receive free museum-only admission on Tuesdays after 1:00 PM

Amenities: Free parking, gift shop, restrooms, ADA accessibility, and occasional café service

SUMMARY

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is one of Memphis’s most significant educational and cultural resources. It brings together a deep appreciation for regional history, a curiosity-driven approach to science and nature, and immersive, hands-on experiences for all ages. Whether you’re walking through a prehistoric landscape, exploring the constellations, marveling at Memphis’s role in grocery innovation, or enjoying a musical laser show, MoSH offers an engaging blend of past, present, and future under one roof. It’s an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the soul, science, and story of Memphis.