Pee-wee Herman's Iconic Bicycle Finds a Permanent Home at the Alamo
The iconic red-and-white Schwinn bicycle, a centerpiece of the 1985 film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," is set to take up permanent residence at the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum in San Antonio. This unusual movie memorabilia tie-in celebrates the film's 40th anniversary.
Dr. Kate Rogers, executive director of the Alamo Trust, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the addition, stating, “We are thrilled to add this beloved piece of film history to our collection.” The Alamo, a site of historical significance, has been immortalized in pop culture through Pee-wee’s escapades, introducing it to a new generation of fans.
The film follows Pee-wee Herman on a frantic quest to recover his stolen bicycle, leading him to an array of eccentric characters and misadventures. A fortune teller misleads him into believing his bike is hidden in the basement of the Alamo, prompting a wild journey that includes encounters with a runaway felon and a ghostly trucker named Large Marge.
Despite his efforts, Pee-wee discovers upon arrival that the Alamo has no basement, cementing the bike's connection to the historic site in the hearts of fans. Since its release, the bicycle has become a symbol of the film and a cherished piece of cinematic history.
"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" marked Tim Burton's directorial debut and featured a score by Danny Elfman, establishing a creative partnership that would flourish in subsequent projects. The film also introduced audiences to Paul Reubens' beloved character, Pee-wee Herman, who became a cultural icon throughout the 1980s.
Reubens passed away in 2023 at the age of 70 after battling cancer privately. The film was produced on a modest budget of $7 million and grossed nearly $41 million at the box office, equivalent to approximately $119 million today. It also led to a sequel, "Big Top Pee-wee," released in 1988, which did not achieve the same level of success.
The Alamo announced on social media that visitors can view the bike later this year in a limited exhibition at the Ralston Family Collection Center before its permanent installation in fall 2027. They also plan to host a free public screening of "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" in the newly reopened Plaza de Valero. In a playful nod to the film's lore, they quipped that until then, the bike would be stored safely—perhaps even in a basement.
Recently, the bicycle sold at auction for $125,000, far exceeding initial estimates of $30,000 to $60,000, highlighting its status as a coveted piece of film memorabilia.
