Memphis Museum of Science & History Tours

Pink Palace Museum featuring a house
Pink Palace Museum showing interior views
Pink Palace Museum
Pink Palace Museum
Pink Palace Museum


A giant 3-D theater and a laser-filled planetarium are part of a pink mansion that belonged to the inventor of the supermarket.

The Pink Palace Museum is a fascinating hub of exhibits on history and the sciences, its eclectic categories spanning everything from the cultural history of the Mid-South to the invention of the supermarket. With its own planetarium, the museum has many temporary exhibits on the stars and the solar system. Learn about the anthropological and natural history of Memphis as you stroll through this spectacular estate.

When you arrive, take photos of the glorious pink façade of the long manor, whose roof is green. Admire the imposing pediment and elegant colonnade of the pink Georgian marble frontage and pass through the arches to enter the museum. Chat with a docent about the history of the building, on which construction commenced in 1923. It was built for Clarence Saunders, the founder of the supermarket chain Piggly Wiggly.

Watch a film in the CTI 3-D Giant Theater or head to the 145-seat planetarium, which has a laser system able to project mesmerizing images onto the domed ceiling.

Look around the various temporary exhibits, which cover varied topics such as chemistry, archaeology and the development of Memphis. See the replica of the first Piggly Wiggly store from 1916, credited with being a huge influence on the supermarkets of today. Appreciate 15th-century Native American ceramics and pre-Columbian works of art.

There is a fee to enter the museum, which opens Wednesday to Sunday from morning until late afternoon. Ask for discounts for seniors and children. The Museum Store has a range of souvenirs and a restaurant serves snacks and drinks.

The Pink Palace Museum is between Old Binghampton and Lundee in East Memphis. From the city center, drive east for 7 miles (11 kilometers) to get here in about 15 minutes. You can also take a bus to a stop just outside the museum. While in this part of the city, head to nearby sights such as the Memphis Zoo, the Memphis Botanical Garden and the Children’s Museum of Memphis.

Plan a trip to see Memphis Museum of Science & History

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Horseshoe Tunica Casino and Hotel
Hotel Napoleon Memphis
The Rambler

Browse tours and tickets to explore Memphis Museum of Science & History

Tours & day trips

See all 49 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 12 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 10 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 4 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Reviews of Memphis Museum of Science & History

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
43
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Not enough in here to make it worth it. The building was interesting but felt very incomplete.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Memphis Museum of Science & History

Memphis Marvel~Hot Tub & Pool Table~Mins to Beale
Memphis Marvel~Hot Tub & Pool Table~Mins to Beale
Memphis
Memphis Marvel~Hot Tub & Pool Table~Mins to Beale
25% Off New Lux Home + Mini Pool & Game Room
25% Off New Lux Home + Mini Pool & Game Room
Memphis
25% Off New Lux Home + Mini Pool & Game Room
25% Off ~ NEW Lux Home - Hot Tub-Game Room-
25% Off ~ NEW Lux Home - Hot Tub-Game Room-
Memphis
25% Off ~ NEW Lux Home - Hot Tub-Game Room-
Large Charming Midtown 4000 f²,5 BR,8 beds,3.5 bath sleeps 14
Large Charming Midtown 4000 f²,5 BR,8 beds,3.5 bath sleeps 14
Memphis
Large Charming Midtown 4000 f²,5 BR,8 beds,3.5 bath sleeps 14
Southern Serenity+ 3BR Stylish Memphis Oasis
Southern Serenity+ 3BR Stylish Memphis Oasis
Memphis
Southern Serenity+ 3BR Stylish Memphis Oasis
Southern Serenity + 3Br Stylish Memphis Oasis
Southern Serenity + 3Br Stylish Memphis Oasis
3 out of 5
18 S Holmes St, Memphis, TN
Southern Serenity + 3Br Stylish Memphis Oasis
Golden Rose Townhome, 2br-2.5ba Near UofM/Highland Strip
Golden Rose Townhome, 2br-2.5ba Near UofM/Highland Strip
Memphis
Golden Rose Townhome, 2br-2.5ba Near UofM/Highland Strip
Holiday Inn University of Memphis All Suite by IHG
Holiday Inn University of Memphis All Suite by IHG
3 out of 5
3700 Central Ave, Memphis, TN
Holiday Inn University of Memphis All Suite by IHG
Fun & Funky #2 centrally located in Memphis!
Fun & Funky #2 centrally located in Memphis!
Memphis
Fun & Funky #2 centrally located in Memphis!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.