Rocky Steps

Video of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa running up the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia in Rocky in 1976; the iconic scene gave birth to the steps' notoriety and popularity.
The front entrance and steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rocky Balboa sneaker imprints at the top of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, and Michael B. Jordan promoting Creed atop the Rocky Steps in November 2015

The Rocky Steps are 72 stone steps leading up to the East entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia that gained global fame after being featured in a notable scene from the 1976 film Rocky. In the scene, Rocky Balboa, an unpolished but ambitious boxer from South Philadelphia played by Sylvester Stallone, begins intense physical training after deciding to fight Apollo Creed, the World Heavyweight Champion. The scene is widely considered one of the most iconic in the history of modern films.[1][2]

Tourists often mimic Rocky's famous climb, which has become a physical metaphor for an underdog rising to a great challenge.[3] A bronze Rocky statue is located at the bottom right of the steps, and is a popular photo opportunity for visitors. The top of the steps offers a commanding view of Eakins Oval, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Philadelphia City Hall.

  1. ^ "Cinemas Greatest Scenes: When Rocky runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art", Rearview Mirror
  2. ^ "Here's the story behind the iconic 'Steps' Steadicam scene from Rocky", Entertainment.ie]
  3. ^ "The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps". VisitPhilly.com. Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved March 3, 2014.