Philadelphia is a city of icons. You have the Liberty Bell with its famous crack, the Declaration of Independence, and of course, the cheesesteak. But if you walk toward the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, you’ll see a line of people that often rivals the wait for a table at Zahav. They aren't there for a 250-year-old document. They are there for a fictional boxer.
The statue of Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia is easily one of the most visited—and historically debated—pieces of public art in the world. For decades, it was the ultimate "is it art?" Rorschach test for the city. Some people saw a cheap movie prop. Others saw a monument to the human spirit. Honestly, both were right.
But things are changing. If you’ve visited before, you probably remember the statue tucked away in the grass at the bottom of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. As of 2026, the game has shifted. After a massive public debate and a temporary swap involving a replica, the original bronze Rocky is heading back to where it all began: the top of the stairs.
The Prop That Refused to Go Away
The story starts in 1980. Sylvester Stallone was prepping for Rocky III and wanted something bigger than life to represent the character's success. He hired sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg to create an 8-foot-6-inch bronze masterpiece. Stallone actually sat for the artist, even doing the whole plaster-on-the-face thing with straws in his nose so he could breathe.
When filming wrapped, Stallone did something bold. He gifted the statue to the city.
Philly didn't exactly say "thank you" right away. The Art Commission and museum officials were, to put it mildly, horrified. They called it kitsch. They called it a commercial advertisement. Basically, they thought it was an eyesore that had no business sitting near works by Rodin or Monet.
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So, they kicked him out.
For years, the statue lived a bit of a nomad life. It spent a long stretch outside the Spectrum, the old sports arena in South Philadelphia. It was logical—sports statue, sports arena—but tourists were confused. They’d go to the Art Museum to do the "Rocky Run" up the 72 steps and then realize the statue was miles away.
The Great Relocation Timeline
- 1982: Unveiled at the top of the steps for Rocky III. Quickly moved to the Spectrum.
- 1990: Brought back to the top for Rocky V filming, then sent back to South Philly.
- 2006: A compromise was reached. The statue was moved to the foot of the museum steps, tucked into a grassy area on the side.
- 2024: "RockyFest" brings a second statue (on loan from Stallone) to the top of the steps.
- 2026: The Art Commission officially votes to move the original statue to a permanent home at the top.
Why the Top of the Steps Matters
Moving the statue of Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia back to the summit isn't just about a better view. It’s about the narrative. The whole point of the character is the climb—the struggle to get from the bottom to the top. When the statue was at the base of the stairs, it felt like the story hadn't finished.
Placement is everything.
Sitting at the top, the statue now aligns with the bronze footprints embedded in the pavement. These footprints mark the exact spot where Rocky (and Stallone) finished that legendary run. It’s the ultimate "I made it" moment.
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But what about the "art snob" argument? That hasn't entirely disappeared. There are still people who feel that placing a movie character at the entrance of one of the finest art museums in America is a bit much. However, the city's current leadership, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, has leaned into the idea that art is defined by the people who love it. With over 4 million visitors a year, the people have clearly spoken.
Planning Your Visit in 2026
If you’re heading to Philly to see the Italian Stallion, there are a few practical things you need to know. The area is constantly busy.
- The Shuttle: For the first time, there is a dedicated "Rocky Shuttle." Since the statue is now at the top, the city realized that not everyone can (or wants to) hike up 72 stone steps. The shuttle runs from the bottom to the top for those with mobility issues.
- The New Exhibition: Through mid-2026, the museum is hosting Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments. It’s actually pretty cool—it looks at how the statue evolved from a prop into a legitimate cultural landmark.
- Timing: If you want a photo without 50 strangers in the background, get there before 8:00 AM. The light hitting the bronze at sunrise is incredible, and you’ll have the view of the Parkway all to yourself.
It’s Not Just One Statue Anymore
Most people don't realize there are actually three official Schomberg Rocky statues in existence.
- The Original is the one you see at the museum.
- The Second was bought by Stallone at auction (for about $400,000) and was the one used at the top of the steps during the recent "swap" period.
- The Third is now permanently installed at the Philadelphia International Airport.
So, if you miss him at the museum, you can catch him in Terminal A-West before you fly home.
Actionable Tips for the "Rocky Run"
Don't just walk up. Do it right.
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Start at the bottom of the steps, near the Eakins Oval. There’s usually a guy there playing the Gonna Fly Now theme on a portable speaker (tip him a dollar, he’s a local legend). When you hit the top, don't just stop at the statue. Turn around. The view of the Philadelphia skyline from the top of the steps is the best in the city.
Check the museum's schedule before you go. Sometimes the steps are blocked off for concerts or events (like the NFL Draft or the Made in America festival).
The statue of Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia is finally where it belongs. It took over forty years of bickering, several movie sequels, and a lot of heavy lifting, but the underdog has officially won the prime real estate. Whether you think it’s "fine art" or just a cool bronze guy in boxing trunks, it’s hard to deny the energy of the place.
To make the most of your trip, download the "Visit Philly" app for real-time shuttle updates and check the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s website for specific hours for the Rising Up exhibit. If you're driving, park in the garage behind the museum; street parking on the Parkway is a nightmare you don't want to deal with.