Rocky Balboa Returns to His Place
Rocky Balboa is making a comeback, and it’s quite a moment for fans. The Philadelphia Art Commission recently decided to put the beloved statue of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character back at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he became famous.
The Creative Philadelphia group initially had plans to relocate the bronze statue, which first appeared in the 1982 sequel, Rocky III. This statue is a significant piece of the larger Rocky saga, which follows a down-and-out boxer who eventually finds success. According to The New York Times, the committee later reconsidered their decision after receiving strong public feedback.
Stallone had initially wanted the 8-foot-6-inch statue returned to him, having seen it move between various locations in Philadelphia since it was crafted by A. Thomas Schomberg in 1980. However, he ultimately agreed to keep it at the museum.
In a statement, Valère V. Gay, the city’s chief cultural officer, noted that Stallone’s decision to not replace the statue stemmed from the heartfelt responses of the community. “This reflects our commitment to listening to the community and prioritizing what matters to both the arts and the public,” she mentioned, as reported by the Philadelphia Examiner.
Rocky has had a significant impact since the first film surprisingly won an Oscar in 1976 on a modest budget, leading to a successful six-film franchise. While many love the statue, some art supporters have questioned whether it truly belongs outside an art museum filled with classic masterpieces.
Interestingly, some boxing fans have even suggested that a statue of famed boxer Joe Frazier would be a more appropriate tribute for the city.
The Rocky statue has seen its fair share of relocations over the years. It has been a recurring theme in pop culture, appearing in films like “The Mannequin,” and also on set during “Rocky V.” Despite the displacement, its legacy remains strong.
Recently, Creative Philadelphia’s board voted 3-1, with two abstentions, to temporarily return Rocky to his place at the museum. He will be featured in an upcoming exhibition titled “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,” set to run from April to August, according to reports.
Interestingly, while two other copies of the statue exist, it’s the original Rocky that continues to stir conversation in Philadelphia.
