Rocky Statue to Be Off-Limits for Two Weeks

It’s been a rough couple of months for Philadelphia tourists who are into the “Rocky” movies. First the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s iconic steps were blocked off for weeks due to the NFL Draft and a stage being temporarily built over them. Now, in a disappointing blow, one of Philadelphia’s biggest sights to see, the Rocky statue at the base of the steps, will be out of commission for the next two weeks while workers improve the surrounding pavement and perimeter. Visitors will be unable to get close to the statue or take pictures with it, said the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Rocky statue will be out of commission for two weeks.

The Rocky statue is a favorite Philadelphia tourist stop for selfies and pictures. It was commissioned in 1980 by Rocky’s actor, Sylvester Stallone himself in honor of Rocky III’s release. It was built by A. Thomas Schomberg of Colorado. Depicting Rocky Balbao as a victor with his arms held over his head, it was initially installed at the Spectrum Sports Complex, which is where boxing matches took place in the movies. The statue has been in its current location at the Philadelphia Museum of Art since 2006.

Visitors will still be able to make the famous run up the Art Museum steps while the statue is out of commission if they want to get their Rocky fangirl/fanboy on. According to the Morning Call, all is not lost for fans: “For fans heading to Philadelphia during the statue’s closure, there are several other Rocky-themed sites to see including: the Italian Market, where Rocky jogs past vendors setting up shop; Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philly, featured in the first Rocky movie, and Max’s in North Philly, featured in “Creed;” Esposito Meats, where Rocky practices boxing on a side of beef; Victor’s Cafe, which Rocky operates as “Adrian’s” in “Creed; and Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill cemeteries in East Falls, where Rocky visits Adrian’s grave.”