Rocky Statue Set for Permanence at Philadelphia Art Museum Steps
A decades-long tradition is about to come to a close as the iconic Rocky statue, which has stood proudly next to the Philadelphia Art Museum steps since 1982, is permanently relocated to its most revered spot. The six-member Philadelphia Art Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday in favor of the move, with one member abstaining.
For over two decades, the statue was repeatedly moved up and down the steps for various filming projects, including "Rocky III," "Rocky V," and "Philadelphia." However, it appears this time will be different. The decision comes after a lengthy discussion that deemed the statue worthy of permanent placement at the top of the steps due to its status as a cultural symbol for Philadelphia.
The Rocky statue, created by A. Thomas Schomberg, has become an integral part of the city's public art scene, attracting an estimated 4 million visitors annually. In fact, during last year's Rocky Fest, a replica was loaned to the museum to serve as a temporary exhibit, further solidifying its connection with the Art Museum steps.
As part of the proposal, a wheelchair-accessible "Rocky" shuttle will be installed to transport visitors up and down the steps via Art Museum Drive. Another city-owned statue is also slated for installation at the base of the steps in future plans.
According to Valerie Gay, Chief Cultural Officer, formally placing the Rocky statue at the top of the steps restores it to its original setting and acknowledges its significance through decades of public engagement. The estimated $150,000 transfer cost will ensure the statue's permanent placement at its most recognizable spot.
A decades-long tradition is about to come to a close as the iconic Rocky statue, which has stood proudly next to the Philadelphia Art Museum steps since 1982, is permanently relocated to its most revered spot. The six-member Philadelphia Art Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday in favor of the move, with one member abstaining.
For over two decades, the statue was repeatedly moved up and down the steps for various filming projects, including "Rocky III," "Rocky V," and "Philadelphia." However, it appears this time will be different. The decision comes after a lengthy discussion that deemed the statue worthy of permanent placement at the top of the steps due to its status as a cultural symbol for Philadelphia.
The Rocky statue, created by A. Thomas Schomberg, has become an integral part of the city's public art scene, attracting an estimated 4 million visitors annually. In fact, during last year's Rocky Fest, a replica was loaned to the museum to serve as a temporary exhibit, further solidifying its connection with the Art Museum steps.
As part of the proposal, a wheelchair-accessible "Rocky" shuttle will be installed to transport visitors up and down the steps via Art Museum Drive. Another city-owned statue is also slated for installation at the base of the steps in future plans.
According to Valerie Gay, Chief Cultural Officer, formally placing the Rocky statue at the top of the steps restores it to its original setting and acknowledges its significance through decades of public engagement. The estimated $150,000 transfer cost will ensure the statue's permanent placement at its most recognizable spot.
! I mean, can you think of a more Philly thing than Rocky Balboa running up those stairs? It's crazy how much history and culture that statue embodies - from being moved around for filming shoots to now being a beloved part of the city's identity 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story like Rocky? 
The fact that it's getting its own wheelchair-accessible shuttle is just icing on the cake (or should I say, punches thrown in the air?) 
Can't wait to see it there for years to come!
Like, can you even imagine Rocky standing tall next to those iconic stairs for all eternity? 
Plus, the wheelchair-accessible shuttle idea is genius - no one should be left behind to admire Rocky's sweet face 
. Now, let's get this party started and celebrate with some Philly cheesesteaks! 
. Like, come on, it's been there since 1982 for a reason! It's not like it was always moving around willy-nilly. And now they're gonna spend $150k to put it back where it belongs? That's just steep 
. But I guess if anyone deserves it, Rocky Balboa does 
.
. Can you even imagine the Rocky statue just chillin' at the top of those famous steps without gettin' moved around all the time? It's like it's finally gettin' its due 
. The fact that they're installin' a wheelchair-accessible shuttle so people can enjoy it too is just, wow! I mean, 4 million visitors per year is no joke 
. And now, with another statue comin' down the pipe, this whole area's gonna be straight fire 
! I'm low-key excited for Rocky Fest next year 
!
I'm so down for this! The Rocky statue is an iconic part of Philly's landscape and it's about time we solidify its spot at the Art Museum steps. I mean, can you imagine not being able to take that epic photo with the statue in the background? 
I've been going to Philly since I was a kid and I always loved seeing the statue getting moved around for those movie shoots. But now it's time to put an end to all that drama! 
Bring on the Rocky Fest vibes this summer!
it's a dream come true for me and every other rock enthusiast out there 
i mean, what more could philly ask for?! 
! I mean, it's been a wild ride with all those film shoots over the years, but now he can just chill at the top of the steps without getting moved around like a pawn. It's awesome that 4 million people visit each year to snap pics with him – that's some serious cultural significance 
. Plus, it's a great idea to add a wheelchair-accessible shuttle so everyone can enjoy the view 
. I just hope they can get more of the city's statues settled in too... it'd be awesome to see them all along Art Museum Drive 
I'm so stoked they're keeping the Rocky statue at the top of the steps! It's become such an iconic part of Philly culture and it's amazing to see how much love the people have for it 
. Let's hope this means more cool art installations and public spaces that bring our city together