The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps

The Rocky Statue

One of Philadelphia’s most famous pieces of public art is a bigger-than-life boxer… literally. Originally created for Rocky III, the sculpture is now a real-life monument to a celluloid hero. The fictional Rocky Balboa of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky movies was immortalized in bronze in 1980. After filming for the movie completed, Stallone donated the statue to the City of Philadelphia.

The statue is located at the bottom of the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so be sure to get a photo with Rocky Balboa himself.

The Rocky Steps

As famous as the statue itself are the stairs leading to the East Entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, aka “The Rocky Steps.” Making the iconic trip up the steps is regarded as a symbol of perseverance and determination.

Each year, thousands of people, young and old, recreate the scene from the legendary movie and make the trek up the steps. So remember to pack running shoes before you make the trip!

Once you reach the top and mimic Rocky’s triumphant celebration, turn around for a breathtaking view of the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Center City skyline.

Rocky Replicas

The original Rocky statue sculptor, A.Thomas Schomberg, is offering a limited number of 20-inch replicas at www.rockysculpture.com/. Statues are cast in resin then bronze plated and a limited number will be cast entirely in bronze.