Built in 1980, the Rocky Statue commemorates one of America's best-loved boxers — the fictional Rocky Balboa of the timeless series of 'Rocky' movies.
Created by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is one of the country's most famous celluloid creations. The bronze statue which was originally created for the film Rocky III was later donated by writer, co-producer and director Sylvester Stallone to the State of Philadelphia. Owing to the immense popularity of the Rocky film series and especially the protagonist Rocky Balboa, the statue was first located on the steps of the Art Museum, in keeping with its depiction in the film and later moved to South Philadelphia, where it was displayed in the sports complex.
However, the 30th anniversary of the original Rocky film saw the statue being moved back to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it formed the centerpiece of the Philly Loves Rocky Week. Today, thousands of Rocky Balboa fans throng to this statue to strike the famous Rocky pose, while others marvel the magnificent 8'6" form of the boxer, his arms triumphantly raised, as they relive the magic created by this fantastic heavyweight contender.
Today, the 2000-pound Rocky Statue is located at the base of steps of the Art Museum, while a heated debate still rages between cultural officials and Rocky enthusiasts about the most appropriate location for this movie prop-turned-tribute to one of Hollywood's most enchanting heroes.
For further information, you can refer to the website http://www.ushistory.org/oddities/rocky.htm.
The Rocky Statue
The Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art,
Philadelphia, PA 19019
