The Alamo Acquires Screen-Used Bicycle from Pee-wee's Big Adventure

As recently announced on CBS Mornings, the Alamo is proud to share that it has acquired the original, screen-used stunt bike from the classic 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

This exciting addition comes as fans celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary this summer. The bicycle, made famous by Pee-wee Herman’s unforgettable quest and his equally unforgettable visit to the Alamo, will serve as a centerpiece in the Mays Family Legacy Gallery inside the future Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, opening in Fall 2027.

To mark the acquisition, the Alamo will host a free public screening of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure later this year in Plaza de Valero. At the same time, fans will have a rare chance to see the original bike up close during a limited-time display in the Ralston Family Collections Center. Both the screening and the temporary exhibit offer the public a first glimpse of this pop culture icon before it becomes a permanent part of the museum.

Details about the screening and display will be announced soon. Follow the Alamo’s official social media channels for updates and be the first to know when the bike goes on view.

The new Visitor Center and Museum will feature eight chronological galleries that tell the full 300-year story of the Alamo, from its Indigenous and Spanish mission roots to the 1836 battle and beyond. One of these, the Mays Family Legacy Gallery, will explore the Alamo’s lasting cultural impact. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure stunt bicycle will be on display alongside film clips, music, toys, and other memorabilia that have introduced the Alamo to new generations in unexpected and memorable ways.

And while there’s never been a basement under the historic Alamo Church (despite what Pee-wee was told), the new museum, built along the western edge of the historic Alamo footprint, will have one.

“We are thrilled to add this beloved piece of film history to our collection,” said Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director of the Alamo Trust, Inc. “The Alamo holds a special place in the hearts of people everywhere, and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure helped to introduce a new generation to the historic site. This artifact perfectly illustrates how the Alamo lives on in pop culture, and soon, visitors to Texas' top tourist destination will be able to see it up close in our new world-class museum.”

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Alamo Trust, Inc. (ATI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that oversees the daily operations at the Alamo and the implementation of the Alamo Plan. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as the Shrine of Texas Liberty. More than 1.6 million visitors travel to the site each year, making it the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. The 300-year history of the Alamo is world-renowned and represents the core of Texas’ identity today. In 1960, the Alamo was designated a United States National Historic Landmark, and in 2015, it became part of the Lone Star State's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness living history, experience authentic artifacts, and explore an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.