Numbers behind the buzz
Baron Von Opperbean welcomed 10,283 visitors between its opening on May 1 and August 5, earning a total of $220,458 from ticket and merchandise sales. The significant achievement prompted an 'appreciation event' on August 5 at Harbor Landing on Mud Island, serving as both a celebration and a platform to showcase the attraction's potential for continued success.
Currently occupying about 8,000 square feet in the former museum space at Mud Island, the project is set to expand significantly to 33,000 square feet. As it grows, the attraction will incorporate historic elements from the site, such as the Ironclad warship, the riverboat prow, and Civil War cannons. These additions will deepen the immersive experience and highlight the area’s historical significance.
The local team and outside help
A majority of the project is being designed and constructed by a local team made up of artists, technologists, and fabricators. The leadership of Jee Vahn Knight, an immersive entertainment veteran and BVO CEO, is instrumental to the venture. Recently, BVO added Somisawhel Mathis to its team. Mathis comes from an important background, having served as the operations director for Meow Wolf’s original 'House of Eternal Return' in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Meow Wolf is known for pioneering immersive environments, and its Santa Fe attraction is a top destination with over 500,000 annual visitors. The credibility Meow Wolf brings could help BVO gain recognition and support in its expansion efforts.
The city of Memphis and the Memphis River Parks Partnership have provided key support, especially for roof and infrastructure repairs. These partnerships are essential in transforming a long-shuttered museum into a modern attraction.
What's next at Mud Island
Baron Von Opperbean plans to completely revamp the shuttered museum space into a full-scale interactive adventure. As part of this transformation, the attraction will utilize the existing structure to house new components such as alien containment tubes and digitally animated alien environments. The goal is to create a seamless blend of physical sets, interactive worlds, projection mapping, and game-engine technology to deliver a dynamic and evolving story for visitors to explore and influence.
Mayor Paul Young has lauded the project as a prime example of local creativity and effective public-private collaboration. 'Memphians imagined this, financed it, designed it, built it and opened the doors,' said CEO Jee Vahn Knight, highlighting the community-driven nature of the venture. BVO is seen as a symbol of innovation and ambition in the city, one that could serve as a blueprint for future projects in public spaces.
With a current footprint of 8,000 square feet and a vision for a 33,000-square-foot expansion, BVO has positioned itself as a compelling destination for families and adventure seekers. The project’s ability to blend Memphis’s historical legacy with cutting-edge interactive design sets it apart as a unique cultural and entertainment offering.