3050 Central Ave Sharpe Planetarium

The Sharpe Planetarium at the Pink Palace Museum offers an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos that captivates young astronomers and space enthusiasts. Families can enjoy immersive dome shows featuring stunning visuals of stars, planets, and galaxies while learning about astronomy in a comfortable, climate-controlled theater. It's the perfect rainy-day activity or complement to your Pink Palace Museum visit.

• ✓Immersive full-dome theater experience that makes you feel like you're traveling through space
• ✓Age-appropriate astronomy shows ranging from beginner stargazing to deep space exploration
• ✓Educational programs about constellations, planets, and current space missions
• ✓Stunning high-resolution visuals of nebulae, galaxies, and the solar system
• ✓Special themed shows during holidays and astronomical events like meteor showers or eclipses

1. 1.Purchase combination tickets for both the planetarium and Pink Palace Museum to maximize your visit and save money.
2. 2.Arrive 15 minutes early to get good center seats in the dome theater,avoid the very front rows as they can strain necks during the show.
3. 3.Check the show schedule online beforehand as planetarium presentations run at specific times throughout the day and some are geared toward different age groups.
4. 4.The theater can get chilly with air conditioning, so bring a light sweater especially for younger kids.
5. 5.Visit the Pink Palace Museum's exhibits before or after your show,your kids will be even more excited about space after seeing meteorites and science exhibits.

Weekday mornings or early afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds and school groups. Weekend matinee shows can be busier but offer more scheduling flexibility. The planetarium is a perfect year-round indoor activity, especially on hot summer days or during Memphis's rainy spring season.

Admission requires purchasing tickets to the Pink Palace Museum complex (planetarium shows may have an additional fee). Free parking is available on-site. No food or drinks are allowed in the planetarium theater, but the museum has a small gift shop and vending area.

The planetarium operates year-round with consistent programming. Special holiday-themed shows often appear during winter break and summer. Check for special programs during significant astronomical events like planetary alignments, meteor showers, or space mission launches.

Midtown Memphis offers plenty of family options within 5-10 minutes. Try Huey's Midtown for burgers and kids' meals in a casual atmosphere, or Cordelia's Table for fresh, healthy options including vegetarian choices that appeal to picky eaters.