The Philadelphia Art Commission has approved plans to relocate the 1,800-pound Rocky statue to a permanent home at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. The move, which also includes preparations for long-term display, is expected to cost approximately $150,000.
The decision comes as another milestone anniversary approaches. In 1976, 'Rocky' premiered in theaters, featuring the now-iconic scene of the underdog boxer sprinting up the Art Museum steps. The sequence was partially inspired by the training routines of Philadelphia boxing legend Joe Frazier and went on to make film history as one of the earliest major scenes shot using a Steadicam.
The bronze statue was created in 1980 by sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg at the request of Sylvester Stallone for 'Rocky III'. After filming concluded, the statue began a long journey around the city. It was first displayed at the Art Museum, then moved to the front of the Spectrum, and later relocated to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex following the production of 'Rocky V'.
In September 2006, the city placed the statue in a grassy area near the Art Museum, where it has stood for nearly two decades. The unveiling was marked by an outdoor screening of 'Rocky,' drawing fans eager to celebrate the film’s enduring connection to Philadelphia.
That same year, as the original casting mold deteriorated, two additional Rocky statues were produced. One is housed at the Schomberg Studios Gallery in Colorado. The other was auctioned after the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum closed eight years ago and was purchased anonymously — later revealed to be Stallone himself.
With its return to the top of the Art Museum steps now approved, the Rocky statue is poised to reclaim its most iconic perch, reaffirming its place in Philadelphia history.
