Ever since the Egyptians built their pyramids starting around 2,700 BCE, pyramids have been a subject of considerable mystery, fascination, and marvel. The Kush, in Sudan (south of Egypt), followed the Egyptian models 2000 years later, and pyramid-like structures were built in Mesoamerica roughly 1,000 years after those in Sudan. Following the construction of these ancient antecedents, a few lone pyramids were built in various parts of the world during the ensuing centuries. Then, beginning in the late 19th century, a revitalized interest in pyramids surfaced, particularly after the solid masonry approach to their construction was abandoned in favor of constructing hollow pyramids. New materials like steel, concrete, and, more recently, plastic, paved the way for hollow, habitable pyramids, which are illustrated in the galleries dedicated to developments in the 20th century. The introduction of abstract and geometric art furthered the appeal of the pyramidal form.

In the 20th century, architects explored the construction potential of large pyramids whose enclosing walls were thick enough to accommodate dwelling units or hotel rooms. Today, in the 21st century, there is renewed interest in the imagined health and environmental benefits of pyramids, an interest that surfaced during the "pyramid power" craze of the 1970s, which attracted a horde of enthusiastic followers.