Even though it's been over 30 years since the release of the first Rocky movie, it amuses me to find that the Philadelphia Museum of Art still attracts locals and tourists who come to pay tribute to Philadelphia's most beloved boxer.
No matter what day of the week, I can stroll by the museum and catch a few Sylvestor Stallone imitators running up the 72 front steps while others pose triumphantly at the top, fists clenched and arms held high in the air. And if that isn't enough, I can see more Rocky fanatics posing for photographs with the larger-than-life Rocky statue that stands proudly on the front lawn.
This 8' 6" bronze sculpture was originally created for the filming of Rocky III, released in 1982. After filming ended, Mr. Stallone donated the statue to the city of Philadelphia. Rocky was given a temporary home at the top of the art museum steps, much to the dismay of museum curators. After many polls and surveys, it was decided that the famed fighter would be better suited for a home near the Wachovia Spectrum.
Except for a brief move to promote Rocky V, the statue remained in the shadows of the Spectrum until the summer of 2006. It was then, in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the original Rocky film, that the heavyweight statue returned to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it stands today, attracting as much attention as ever.
Now newlyweds and tourists alike wait in line to have their pictures taken with Philly's favorite boxer. Next time I'm out for a run, I'll be sure to pay my respects to Rocky and join others in a sprint to the top of the steps.
If you are interested in learning more about the hopes and dreams of many "Rocky runners," then check out Rocky Stories, a book authored by two Pulitzer Prize-winning writers from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Note: When trying to find a video on YouTube of Rocky running up the museum steps, I had the most difficult time because so many people had filmed their own versions. Here's a look at one that might inspire you to post your own version:
2 comments:
Great blog, really engaging post on the Rocky statue. And nice wordplay with Umai in your first entry.
Keep updating it!
I wondered what happened to that statue! I remember seeing it when I was a kid, but then it mysteriously disappeared ...
Thanks for solving the mystery!
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