The Great American Pyramid
Podcast: 99% Invisible
Host: Roman Mars
Episode Release Date: April 1, 2025
Transcript Contributors: Chris Berube, Martha Park, Russ Simons, Isaac Tigrett, Dr. Chris Elliott, Zach McMillan, Jimmy Ogle
1. Introduction to the Memphis Pyramid
The Memphis Pyramid stands as a striking and unconventional landmark in Memphis, Tennessee. Unlike typical stores, the Bass Pro Shops location within the Pyramid transforms it into a camouflaged amusement park with fiberglass cypress trees, baby alligator enclosures, and interactive attractions. Chris Berube describes his first visit:
"The giant pyramid is hard to miss... I went to check out the pyramid earlier this year and for journalism purposes, I actually stayed inside a hotel connected to the pyramid. It's rustically called the Big Cypress Lodge... and stare in awe at the spire of this giant pyramid hundreds of feet up."
— Chris Berube [03:28]
2. Egyptomania and Architectural Influences
The idea of constructing a pyramid in Memphis is rooted in a long history of Western architectural fascination with ancient Egypt, known as Egyptomania. Dr. Chris Elliott, an Egyptologist, explains:
"After the French invasion of Egypt in 1798... you could see Egyptian designs everywhere in the architecture and the monuments of Western Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries."
— Dr. Chris Elliott [04:09]
This trend influenced Memphis's founders, who named the city after the ancient Egyptian capital due to its strategic location beside the Mississippi River, often referred to as the "American Nile":
"There's this long standing tradition of the Mississippi as the American Nile, apart from anyone else. Abraham Lincoln actually used that metaphor."
— Dr. Chris Elliott [05:39]
3. The Vision and Initial Plans
In 1988, amidst the peak of postmodernism, civic leaders in Memphis sought to rejuvenate downtown and create a unique landmark. They opted for a pyramid shape to differentiate Memphis from other cities. Chris Berube outlines the initial vision:
"The city and county voted to build the pyramid in the pinch district with public money. The arena would give the neighborhood a shot in the arm... It had always dreamed of."
— Chris Berube [08:46]
John Tigrett, a local entrepreneur, and Sidney Schlenker, known for his role in opening the Astrodome and owning the Denver Nuggets, were pivotal in shaping the Pyramid's attractions:
"He was a crazy bastard. He couldn't finish his first idea before starting the second."
— Russ Simons [09:53]
4. Construction and Initial Challenges
Construction began in 1989 with a projected cost of $39 million, later ballooning to $65 million. The Pyramid, featuring stainless steel panels and a towering Bass Pro logo, was completed in 1991. However, its opening was marred by significant issues:
"On opening night... the toilets overflowed and immediately flooded the building."
— Russ Simons [14:44]
Despite these setbacks, the venue hosted a successful concert by Naomi and Winona Judd, showcasing resilience:
"They had carried their shoes. They got up there and brought the house lights down and played their show from beginning to end."
— Russ Simons [15:08]
Additionally, the Pyramid's unique architectural design posed acoustic challenges for concerts, leading to poor sound quality during performances by bands like Van Halen.
5. The Rise and Decline of the Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Pyramid gained prominence as the home of the Memphis Tigers basketball team, especially during Penny Hardaway's era. However, the introduction of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2001 brought unforeseen challenges:
"The Grizzlies were the worst team in the NBA... The Pyramid could not be a long term home for the Grizzlies because it simply wasn't up to NBA standards."
— Chris Berube [18:59]
The NBA's requirements for modern arenas, including luxury suites and advanced facilities, led to the construction of the FedEx Forum in 2004, rendering the Pyramid obsolete for major sports events.
6. Transformation into Bass Pro Shops
After years of struggling to find a sustainable purpose, the Memphis Pyramid found new life when Bass Pro Shops acquired the building in 2010. By 2015, the Pyramid was reborn as the largest Bass Pro Shops in America, integrating outdoor-themed attractions within its expansive structure:
"Nothing really makes sense for this building... the Bass Pro just happens to feel like just absurd enough to work when other things were maybe too serious."
— Isaac Tigrett [24:07]
This transformation turned the Pyramid into a major tourist attraction, fulfilling its original promise of revitalizing downtown Memphis.
7. The Crystal Skull Incident
A fascinating subplot in the Pyramid's history involves a mysterious crystal skull. Isaac Tigrett's son, Isaac Tigrett, placed a good luck charm inside the Pyramid, leading to an unexpected discovery by Russ Simons:
"Inside the box, there is a crystal skull... It looks expensive... Russ and his team took down this box and found the skull."
— Chris Berube [37:30]
This event sparked conspiracy theories, notably propagated by radio host Alex Jones, who labeled the Pyramid as "demonic." Despite the sensationalism, the crystal skull was a benign addition, eventually returned to Isaac Tigrett.
8. Community and Legacy
Despite its rocky history, the Memphis Pyramid is largely viewed as a success story in urban redevelopment. Jimmy Ogle emphasizes its positive impact:
"The Bass Pro has become a tourist magnet, bringing in millions of people a year... Totally safe environment, enclosed, a wonderland of outdoor things."
— Jimmy Ogle [27:37]
Urbanists commend the Pyramid for its resilience and ability to find a new purpose, transforming from a failed arena into a thriving retail and entertainment complex.
Conclusion
The Memphis Pyramid exemplifies the unpredictable life of architectural projects. From ambitious beginnings influenced by Egyptomania to overcoming operational failures and finding a renewed identity with Bass Pro Shops, the Pyramid illustrates how buildings can evolve beyond their original intentions. As Isaac Tigrett aptly puts it:
"Any attempt you have at creating a space to project a single story is ultimately going to fail... letting the world come in instead."
— Isaac Tigrett [28:46]
The Great American Pyramid stands as a testament to adaptive reuse and the enduring power of innovative design.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Chris Berube [03:28]: "The giant pyramid is hard to miss... I went to check out the pyramid earlier this year..."
- Dr. Chris Elliott [04:09]: "After the French invasion of Egypt in 1798...."
- Russ Simons [14:44]: "On opening night... the toilets overflowed..."
- Isaac Tigrett [24:07]: "Nothing really makes sense for this building... the Bass Pro just happens to feel like just absurd enough..."
- Jimmy Ogle [27:37]: "The Bass Pro has become a tourist magnet..."
- Isaac Tigrett [28:46]: "Any attempt you have at creating a space to project a single story is ultimately going to fail..."
This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode "The Great American Pyramid," providing a rich and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.