Pink Palace Museum

Sharpe Planetarium

The heart of the planetarium is the new digital projector by Konica Minolta and this represents a quantum shift from yesteryear’s servo-mechanical star machines to today’s digital video projection technology. The new Konica Minolta Full-Dome Digital Video planetarium system completely immerses you in imagery, sound & comfort like never before.

The space is completely modernized, from the technology to the finishes (carpet, furniture, paint, etc.). Fabric-covered acoustic wall panels were added to absorb sound. To enlarge the planetarium the outer walls were pushed back a few feet. It now has 145 fixed seats, five spaces for wheelchairs, and an open space in the front that can be used for live music and presentations. Prior to the renovation the planetarium seated 130 people in chairs which were positioned in a circle surrounding a bulky machine that dominated the center of the room. The new dome is 50 feet in diameter. The top is 32.5 feet off the floor, and with a 3,925 SF area, it’s the largest projection screen in Memphis.

To quote Lee Askew (the project's director), "As an architect a planetarium project may come along once per career." ANF is honored to have designed this unique renovation project and we are excited to continue our work at the Pink Palace that began with the Master Plan, followed by phase 1 of the renovations that updated CTI 3D Giant Theater (IMAX conversion).

CTI 3D Giant IMAX Theater

This project renovated the CTI Imax Theater at the Pink Palace and converted the film-based Imax technology to state-of-the-art 3D Digital with a new screen and projection area. The rebranded theater, now named the CTI 3D Giant Theater is the largest movie screen in Memphis.

The Memphis Pink Palace Family of Museums' CTI 3D Giant Theater uses RealD 3D digital, provided by D3D. The switch to digital equipment has enabled the Pink Palace to show any type of movie that can be downloaded into its digital projector. This means that in addition to showing educational videos Monday-Friday, the Pink Palace can now show popular kid's movies on weekends.

The project scope included a new digital projection system, new sound system, new seats, new screen, new finishes and the addition of a movie theater-style concession stand in the theater lobby that offers soft drinks, popcorn, and candy to theater-goers. The new 50' wide and 35' high screen is curved to enhance the 3D effect. The renovated auditorium seats 400.