What Is the Statue Outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art?

Art|Art Museum

The majestic, 42-foot high bronze statue that stands outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a beloved icon of the city. Known as the “Rocky Statue,” it was created in 1980 by A. Thomas Schomberg to commemorate the success of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky movies. The statue depicts Rocky Balboa, the fictional boxer played by Stallone in the films, standing atop the steps of the museum with his arm raised in triumphant victory.

The sculpture was commissioned by Stallone himself after he visited Philadelphia while writing and filming Rocky II. He was so moved by his experience that he felt compelled to create a lasting tribute to the city. The statue was unveiled on September 8, 1982—the day before Rocky III premiered—and has since become an iconic symbol of Philadelphia.

The Meaning Behind The Statue

The statue is more than just a tribute to Philadelphia and its people; it is also a visual representation of hope, resilience, and determination. Just like Rocky Balboa, Philadelphians have had to overcome tough odds to achieve success. The statue serves as a reminder that anything is possible if we are willing to put in the hard work and dedication to realize our dreams.

A Popular Tourist Attraction

In addition to being an inspiring symbol for locals, the Rocky Statue has become one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist attractions. Every year thousands of visitors come from all over the world to take photos with or simply admire it.

Conclusion

The iconic Rocky Statue outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art stands as a testament to hope and resilience. It serves as a reminder that no matter how tough life can be, anything is possible if we are willing to put in hard work and dedication. Visitors from around the world come every year just to admire this inspiring symbol and snap photos with it.