At a Glance
- One of the red bicycles ridden by Pee-wee Herman in 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure has entered the Academy Museum’s collection.
- The bike will go on public display at the mid-city museum but no date has been announced.
- Donated by Alison Berry for the Paul Reubens estate, the acquisition adds to a trove that already tops 52 million cinema artifacts.
- Why it matters: Fans can soon see one of film’s most beloved props in the same building that houses the Oscars and major Hollywood exhibitions.
The cherry-red Schwinn that sent Pee-wee Herman on his cross-country quest is now part of the permanent Academy Collection at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
The bicycle, instantly recognizable from the 1985 Tim Burton comedy, was donated to the museum in Summer 2025 by Alison Berry on behalf of the Paul Reubens estate, according to News Of Losangeles.
From Screen to Showcase
Although the bike is not yet on public view, curators say it will appear in a future exhibition. The museum encourages visitors to monitor its social channels for updates on when the prop rolls onto the gallery floor.
The acquisition is the latest in a string of high-profile additions that keep the Academy Collection growing well past the 52 million-item mark. Recent gifts include:
- Rare scripts once owned by Orson Welles
- The Oscar-night gown worn by Cicely Tyson in 1991
- Life casts of Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Al Pacino
- Film materials highlighting Chinese representation and filmmakers in Hollywood
Jaws Joins the Frenzy
Another new arrival-set photographs from Frank Meadows, boom operator on Jaws-debuted just in time for the museum’s large-scale Jaws exhibition, running through July 26.
Because the Academy Museum’s holdings far exceed gallery space, only a fraction of objects can be displayed at once. The institution rotates items for themed shows, special events, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Where to Catch a Glimpse
To plan a visit around specific artifacts, the museum recommends:
- Checking its official site for collection highlights
- Following its social feeds for exhibit announcements
- Booking tickets early for limited-run displays
For Pee-wee devotees, the wait may be short: curators hint that the bike could appear in an upcoming spotlight gallery devoted to 1980s cinema.
Key Takeaways
- The Academy Museum now owns one of the hero red bikes ridden in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
- Donated by Alison Berry for the Paul Reubens estate, the prop joins more than 52 million film treasures.
- Though not currently exhibited, the bicycle is slated for display later this year-watch the museum’s announcements for the debut date.
