We all love Rocky. The Rocky statue Philadelphia icon, moves to the top of the Museum of Art stairs, prompting mixed reactions from residents and tourists. Photo Rodrigo Paredes Via Wikimedia Commons. CC2.0

BY ARTCENTRON ART NEWS DESK

Philadelphia relocates the Rocky statue to the museum stairs’ top, drawing mixed reactions from locals and tourists alike.

BY ARTCENTRON NEWS DESK

Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 2026 — The Rocky statue Philadelphia landmark is being moved from the bottom to the top of the Museum of Art stairs, city officials announced Wednesday. The relocation aims to increase visibility, but it has sparked debate among locals over the statue’s cultural significance.

Rocky Statue in Philadelphia: A Cultural Icon

The statue depicts Rocky Balboa, the fictional boxer played by Sylvester Stallone. While a second casting already exists at the top, the original Rocky statue in Philadelphia has long remained the more popular version, attracting tourists and residents for decades.

The Philadelphia Art Commission approved the move to make the statue more prominent. “People come not because they’re told to—they come because it already belongs to them,” Commissioner Rebecca Segall said. “It’s one of Philadelphia’s most meaningful monuments, and it deserves a pedestal that matches its status.”

Creative Philadelphia will oversee the project, budgeted at $150,000–$250,000. Costs include constructing a 14-foot pedestal and safely moving the artwork to the top of the stairs. Learn more about Creative Philadelphia projects.

Public Opinion Remains Divided

Not everyone supports the relocation. A September survey by the Philadelphia Inquirer found only 46% of Philadelphians favored moving the Rocky statue Philadelphia to the top of the stairs. Critics argue that the move prioritizes spectacle over genuine artistic value. “People see it as an iconic structure, not a work of art,” said Art Commission member Pepón Osorio.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art plans to align the relocation with an April art exhibition on urban monuments. Officials hope the event will spark discussion about pop culture, public art, and how fictional characters like Rocky become city symbols.

The Debate Over Tourism vs. Art

The move highlights a rare case where a fictional character influences city planning and public funding. While many celebrate the new prominence of the sculpture, skeptics worry celebrity-driven monuments overshadow true artistic merit.

Tourists can continue to visit the “Rocky Steps” and now see the statue from its new position atop the stairs, making it a more visible landmark. For more on the Rocky Balboa legacy in Philadelphia, visitors can explore its cinematic and cultural history.

Balancing Iconic Status with Public Opinion

As the Rocky statue Philadelphia prepares for its relocation, the city faces the challenge of balancing tourism, cultural pride, and public opinion—all centered on one legendary boxer.