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Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium

The Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium, officially known as the Museum of Science & History (MoSH), is Memphis’s premier institution for science and cultural exploration. Located at 3050 Central Avenue, it attracts over 240,000 visitors annually. The museum is part of the Memphis Museums family, which also includes the Lichterman Nature Center, Mallory-Neely House, and the Coon Creek Science Center.

History

Originally designed by entrepreneur Clarence Saunders, founder of Piggly Wiggly, the mansion was intended to be his dream home. However, due to financial setbacks, Saunders never completed the construction. In 1930, the unfinished mansion was donated to the City of Memphis and transformed into the Memphis Museum of Natural History and Industrial Arts. The building’s distinctive pink marble façade led to the nickname “Pink Palace.”

Exhibits & Attractions

Pink Palace Mansion

The mansion showcases a rich tapestry of Memphis and Mid-South history through various exhibits:

  • Piggly Wiggly Store Replica: Experience the first self-service grocery store, a groundbreaking concept introduced by Saunders in 1916.

  • Clyde Parke Miniature Circus: A detailed miniature circus that brings to life the grandeur of early 20th-century entertainment.

  • Cossitt Room: View artifacts and specimens from the original 1930s museum, offering a glimpse into the institution’s early days.

  • Natural History Exhibits: Explore displays featuring dinosaurs, fossils, and regional wildlife, including a lifelike animatronic T. rex.

  • Civil War Artifacts: Discover documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Memphis’s role in the Civil War.

AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium

This 130-seat theater-in-the-round offers immersive experiences:

  • Stargazing Shows: Journey through the cosmos with programs that project star fields and celestial patterns onto the domed ceiling.

  • Educational Programs: Learn about the universe, solar system, and space phenomena through engaging visual presentations.

Giant Screen Theater

Featuring a four-story high movable screen, the theater presents:

  • Nature Documentaries: Explore marine life, ecosystems, and natural wonders.

  • Cultural Films: Delve into ancient civilizations and faraway lands.

  • Sci-Fi Blockbusters: Enjoy films like Star Wars and Planet of the Apes in a state-of-the-art setting.

Murals by Burton Callicott

The mansion’s original main entrance lobby features a three-panel mural by Memphis artist Burton Callicott. Commissioned in 1934 as part of the Public Works of Art Project during the Great Depression, the murals depict the discovery of the Mississippi River and encounters with Native Americans.

Visiting Information

  • Location: 3050 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

  • Phone: (901) 636-2362

  • Website: moshmemphis.com