Philadelphia's iconic Rocky statue is set to take center stage in a new exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum, exploring its enduring appeal and impact on the city. "Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments" promises to be a thought-provoking showcase, featuring over 150 pieces of artwork from renowned artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Carrie Mae Weems, and Hank Willis Thomas.
The exhibit delves into the history of the 8-foot bronze statue, which has been a fixture in Philadelphia since 1982. Originally gifted to the city by Sylvester Stallone, the star of the Rocky film franchise, it initially sparked debate among residents over its legitimacy as public art. However, after being accepted and installed at the former Spectrum sports complex, it eventually found a new home at the museum's entrance.
The exhibit will also examine how monuments like Rocky are created, remade, and reinterpreted by artists, communities, and time itself. It promises to spark conversations around themes such as memory, identity, power, and representation in public art. Writer and historian Paul Farber, who guest curated the show, noted that the steps outside the museum have become a "site of pilgrimage" for fans, asking why millions visit the statue each year.
In addition to the Rocky statue, the exhibit will feature artwork from Mural Arts' restorative justice program, as well as ancient Greek pottery and portraits of real-life boxers like Joe Frazier and Hector "Macho" Camacho. The collection is set to run from April 25 through August 2, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original Rocky film.
The Rocky statue has become an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural landscape, attracting over four million visitors each year – more than twice as many who visit the Liberty Bell. As Farber noted, the statue and its iconic staircase have become a symbol of the city's identity and a testament to the power of public monuments in shaping our relationships with art and history.
Through "Rising Up," the Philadelphia Art Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with this cultural icon in new and thought-provoking ways. By examining the evolution of the Rocky statue and its enduring appeal, the exhibit invites us to reflect on our complex and often fraught relationships with public monuments – and the role they play in shaping our identities and understanding of ourselves as a society.
The exhibit delves into the history of the 8-foot bronze statue, which has been a fixture in Philadelphia since 1982. Originally gifted to the city by Sylvester Stallone, the star of the Rocky film franchise, it initially sparked debate among residents over its legitimacy as public art. However, after being accepted and installed at the former Spectrum sports complex, it eventually found a new home at the museum's entrance.
The exhibit will also examine how monuments like Rocky are created, remade, and reinterpreted by artists, communities, and time itself. It promises to spark conversations around themes such as memory, identity, power, and representation in public art. Writer and historian Paul Farber, who guest curated the show, noted that the steps outside the museum have become a "site of pilgrimage" for fans, asking why millions visit the statue each year.
In addition to the Rocky statue, the exhibit will feature artwork from Mural Arts' restorative justice program, as well as ancient Greek pottery and portraits of real-life boxers like Joe Frazier and Hector "Macho" Camacho. The collection is set to run from April 25 through August 2, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original Rocky film.
The Rocky statue has become an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural landscape, attracting over four million visitors each year – more than twice as many who visit the Liberty Bell. As Farber noted, the statue and its iconic staircase have become a symbol of the city's identity and a testament to the power of public monuments in shaping our relationships with art and history.
Through "Rising Up," the Philadelphia Art Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with this cultural icon in new and thought-provoking ways. By examining the evolution of the Rocky statue and its enduring appeal, the exhibit invites us to reflect on our complex and often fraught relationships with public monuments – and the role they play in shaping our identities and understanding of ourselves as a society.
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, it's gonna be lit! I mean can you even imagine walking up those iconic steps and seeing all these amazing artworks in one place? Keith Haring and Andy Warhol are like my ultimate heroes 
, and Carrie Mae Weems is a total inspiration to me. I love how the museum is exploring the complexities of public art and monuments, it's so relevant to what's been going on with some of the newer statues in the city 
. I'm definitely planning on visiting ASAP, fingers crossed I can get tickets before they sell out 
! I mean, who doesn't love Rocky? The fact that they're featuring artworks from some big-name artists like Keith Haring and Andy Warhol is already making me hyped 
. But what's even cooler is that it's not just about the statue itself, but about how monuments like it are created, remade, and reinterpreted over time. It's like, we need to think about the power of public art in shaping our identities and communities 
. And I love that they're including some history and context on the Rocky statue, from its origins as a gift from Sylvester Stallone to its current status as a cultural icon 
. I'm def checking this out when it opens in April – anyone else excited? 
. I mean, it's been 50 years since that movie came out and people are still flocking to see the statue 
I'm excited to check it out and see if the exhibit can give me any answers 
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I'm so hyped about this new exhibit at the Philly Art Museum! 
. I'm also loving the connection to restorative justice through Mural Arts' program - it's so important for us to think critically about public art and its impact on society. 
The exhibit sounds like a must-see, especially with the 50th anniversary of Rocky happening at the same time. I'll def be there in April! 
The fact that it's been a part of Philly's culture since 1982 is wild. And to think about how it initially sparked debate among residents shows just how much it means to people.
It's so important to give a platform for underrepresented voices and perspectives. The ancient Greek pottery is gonna be sick too... I love seeing old artifacts alongside modern art. 
! I mean, who doesn't love Rocky? It's crazy that it's been 50 years since the first film came out and we're still obsessing over the dude. But seriously, what is it about Rocky that makes it so iconic? Is it because it's just a story about underdog perseverance or is there something deeper going on?
and i'm excited to see how people will interpret this exhibit, is it just about rocky or is it more about what public art says about us? 
Philly is already a cool place to visit but this adds another layer to it. I love how they're exploring the history and impact of public art, it's like, what does it say about us when we have these massive monuments that spark debate? 
It must be surreal. The fact that artists are reinterpreting and remaking monuments is so interesting too - like, how do they take something that's already been created and make it their own? 
The exhibit sounds like a real treat for anyone interested in art, history, or just learning more about Philly. Can't wait to check it out! 
i'm down for some art, history, and rockin' vibes 
what's not to love about that?!
cant wait 2 c how it all comes together!
and turned them into this massive mosaic? The possibilities would be endless! What do you guys think about a "Rising Up"-themed mural outside the museum too? Would that be a nice touch?
btw, can you tell me what that museum's entrance looks like in person? 