Editing Rocky Statue

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Rocky Statue
| type = Public sculpture
| address = 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
| neighborhood = Fairmount
| website = https://philamuseum.org
| established = 1982 (original); 2006 (current location)
| hours = Always accessible
| public_transit = Spring Garden Station (BSL)
}}

The '''Rocky Statue''' is a bronze sculpture of the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, located near the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]. Originally created as a prop for ''Rocky III'' (1982), the statue has become one of Philadelphia's most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of the city's underdog spirit.<ref name="rocky">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-rocky-statue-and-the-rocky-steps/ |title=Rocky Statue |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Creation ===

The statue was created by artist A. Thomas Schomberg for the film ''Rocky III'' (1982):

* Commissioned by Sylvester Stallone
* Three bronze casts were made
* First appeared on screen in 1982
* Stallone donated one cast to the city

=== Location Controversy ===

The statue's placement sparked debate:

* '''1982''' — Placed atop Museum steps for filming
* '''1982''' — Moved to Spectrum sports arena after film
* '''1990''' — Returned briefly to Museum steps
* '''2006''' — Permanently placed at base of steps
* Art vs. popular culture debate among museum officials

=== Why Not at the Top? ===

The Philadelphia Art Commission ruled the statue shouldn't be at the top of the steps, considering it a movie prop rather than fine art. The compromise placed it at the base, to the right of the steps.

== The Rocky Steps ==

The "Rocky Steps" — the 72 stone steps leading to the Museum entrance — are equally iconic:

* Rocky runs up them in training montages
* Tourists recreate the scene daily
* Bronze footprints mark the top
* Part of Philadelphia's identity

== Visiting ==

=== The Statue ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Location''' || Base of Art Museum steps (to the right)
|-
| '''Access''' || Always open, free
|-
| '''Photo op''' || Line forms during peak times
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 10-15 minutes (longer with steps)
|}

=== Running the Steps ===

To recreate the famous scene:

* Start at the bottom (Eakins Oval)
* Run up all 72 steps
* Raise your arms at the top
* Turn around for the view
* Optional: Play the theme music

== Cultural Impact ==

=== The Character ===

Rocky Balboa embodies Philadelphia's underdog identity:

* Working-class hero from South Philly
* Against-all-odds story
* City embraced the character as its own
* Statue represents resilience and determination

=== In Film ===

The steps appear in multiple Rocky films:

* ''Rocky'' (1976) — Original training scene
* ''Rocky II'' (1979) — Triumphant return
* ''Rocky III'' (1982) — Statue unveiled
* ''Rocky Balboa'' (2006) — Statue dedication scene
* ''Creed'' (2015) — New generation

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA Subway''' — Spring Garden Station (Broad Street Line)
* '''Bus''' — Routes 38, 43 to Art Museum
* '''Walking''' — Along Benjamin Franklin Parkway
* '''Parking''' — Museum lot or street parking

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=Where is the Rocky Statue?
|a1=The Rocky Statue is at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, to the right when facing the building. It's not at the top of the steps. The statue is always accessible and free to visit.

|q2=Why isn't the Rocky Statue at the top of the steps?
|a2=The Philadelphia Art Commission ruled it was a movie prop, not fine art, and didn't belong with the Museum's collection. After years of debate, a compromise placed it at the base of the steps in 2006, where it remains today.

|q3=How many steps are the Rocky Steps?
|a3=There are 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Thousands of tourists run them daily, recreating Rocky's famous training scene. Bronze footprints mark the spot at the top.

|q4=Can you run up the Rocky Steps?
|a4=Yes, absolutely. Running the steps and raising your arms at the top is a Philadelphia tradition. There's no fee and no restriction—just join the many visitors recreating the scene. The view from the top is excellent.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Fairmount]]
* [[South Philadelphia]] (Rocky's fictional neighborhood)

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-rocky-statue-and-the-rocky-steps/ Visit Philadelphia - Rocky Statue]

{{#seo:
|title=Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps - Philadelphia's Iconic Movie Monument
|description=The Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Run the 72 steps and pose with the bronze statue of Sylvester Stallone's famous boxer.
|keywords=Rocky Statue, Rocky Steps, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone, Philadelphia landmarks, movie locations
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Public Art]]
[[Category:Fairmount]]
[[Category:Film Locations]]