Discover the Rocky Statue in Philadelphia
One of Philadelphia’s favorite sons, Sylvester Stallone, has a statue of one of his most famous characters, Rocky Balboa, at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. The Rocky Statue, as it is known, is more than just a tribute to a fictional character however; it has become a symbol of determination, grit, and the underdog spirit. But behind this celebrated monument lies a complex story of art, film, and local sentiment that has spanned decades. If you're planning a trip to Philly, visiting the Rocky Statue is a must, and here's everything you need to know about this legendary landmark.
Creating the Rocky Statue
In 1980, Sylvester Stallone, the creator of the Rocky film series, commissioned the Colorado-based sculptor, A. Thomas Schomberg, to create a bronze statue of his character, Rocky Balboa. The statue was initially designed as a prop for the 1982 film Rocky III. In the film it featured prominently atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, also known as the "Rocky Steps”.
Schomberg, known for his realistic intensity and detailed sculptures of athletes, was considered the perfect artist to capture the essence of 'Rocky'. At 8.5 ft tall and weighing 2,000 pounds the bronze statue depicts Rocky in his moment of triumph, arms raised high in victory. The pose, with gloved fists overhead, symbolizes the peak of Rocky’s boxing career. Schomberg, paying great attention to detail, used a life mask of Stallone to accurately portray the character’s facial features.
After the filming of Rocky III, Stallone generously donated the statue to the city of Philadelphia. However, its placement at the top of the museum steps sparked a heated debate. While some viewed the statue as a fitting tribute to the city’s working-class roots and a symbol of hope, others in the art community saw it as a mere movie prop, unworthy of its prestigious location.
The Rocky Statue: Causing Controversy
When Stallone offered the Rocky Statue to Philadelphia, sparking debate, the controversy primarily revolved around where the statue should be permanently installed. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the statue was initially placed for filming, was reluctant to accept it as a permanent fixture. Critics argued that the museum, a bastion of fine art, was no place for a statue representing a fictional character from a Hollywood film. Some even described it as "a disgrace," with art critic Michael Kimmelman famously calling it a "kitschy piece of pop culture."
"It’s not just a statue of Rocky; it’s a statue of everyone who believes that in life, it ain’t over until it’s over."
On the other hand, many Philadelphians, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, embraced the statue as a symbol of their struggles and aspirations. For them, Rocky was more than just a character; he was a reflection of the city's blue-collar spirit. As one local fan put it, "Rocky is one of us—he’s a fighter, he’s tough, and he never gives up."
Relocating the Rocky Statue Throughout Philadelphia
The controversy surrounding the Rocky Statue’s location led to its relocation several times over the years. Initially moved to the Spectrum, Philadelphia's famous sports arena, the statue returned briefly to the museum for the filming of Rocky V and other films like Mannequin and Philadelphia. Each move reignited the debate over whether the statue was art or simply a piece of pop culture memorabilia.
In 2006, as the filming of Rocky Balboa began and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Rocky film, Stallone once again pushed for the statue to be placed near the museum. Eventually, the statue was returned to the base of the Rocky Steps, where it remains today.
The statue's final return to the museum was celebrated with a grand unveiling ceremony attended by Stallone himself, who spoke passionately about the statue's significance not just to him, but to everyone who saw a bit of themselves in Rocky's underdog story.
Other Rocky Statues Around the World
While the Rocky Statue in Philadelphia is the most famous, it's not the only one. Schomberg had the rights to create three identical statues, one of which was originally displayed at the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum. The third statue, cast in 2006, is still available for purchase, making it a rare and valuable piece of cinematic and cultural history.
In addition to the full-sized statues, a limited edition bust of Rocky was also produced by Schomberg in 1982. These 26-inch bronze busts, created from the same cast as the original statue, are now collector’s items and can be purchased from the official Rocky Statue website.
The Rocky Statue’s Impact on Culture
A Cultural Landmark
Since its creation, the Rocky Statue has inspired millions of people from all walks of life who, like Rocky, have faced challenges and fought against the odds. Tourists flock to the statue, eager to pose with the bronze figure of the Italian Stallion. What was once a point of contention has become a cherished landmark in the city and today the Rocky Statue is one of Philadelphia's most popular tourist attractions.
As well as the statue, the Rocky Steps, the 72 stone steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, have also gained fame thanks to the scene in Rocky where Balboa triumphantly ascends them during training. Today, visitors try to recreate Rocky’s famous run up the steps, often culminating in the triumphant "champ dance" at the top, just as the character did in the films.
In Popular Culture
This pivotal Rocky Steps scene is so deeply ingrained in popular culture that it’s often recreated in movies, TV shows, and even by sports teams looking for inspiration before big games. For instance, during the 2017 NFL Draft, the steps were used as a dramatic backdrop.
Visiting the Rocky Statue
Located at the bottom of the Rocky Steps, adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the statue is a popular pilgrimage site for Rocky lovers and those who want to perform what has become a symbolic rite of passage— running up the steps and posing with the statue.
Access to the Rocky Statue is free, and the site is easily reachable by various modes of transportation, including public transit, biking, and walking. After your visit, you can explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses a vast collection of masterpieces, or even continue your tour of Philadelphia with CityDays.
Beyond the Rocky Statue in Philadelphia with CityDays
While the Rocky Statue is a must-see, Philadelphia has so much more to offer. With CityDays, you can embark on exciting scavenger and treasure hunt tours that take you through the city’s historic neighborhoods and to other beloved landmarks.
These interactive tours are perfect for team-building exercises, offering a fun and engaging way to learn more about Philadelphia’s history and culture. And CityDays’ tours are not just limited to Philadelphia—they’re available in cities around the world, making them a great option for corporate events, family outings, and group adventures.
