“major scene from the film Rocky”
The 72 stone steps before the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania have become known as the "Rocky Steps" as a result of their appearance in the triple-Oscar-winning film Rocky and four of its sequels, Rocky II, III, V and Rocky Balboa, in which the eponymous character runs up the steps to the song "Gonna Fly Now". Tourists often mimic Rocky's famous climb, a metaphor for an underdog or an everyman rising to a challenge. A bronze statue of Rocky was briefly situated at the top of the steps for the filming of Rocky III. This statue, now located at the bottom right of the steps, 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. In 2006, Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone recounted the genesis of the iconic scene: (while filming the 1976 movie) the film crew, bound by a tight budget, identified the steps one night while searching for filming locations around the city. Stallone first thought Rocky should carry his dog Butkus up the steps, but the big bull mastiff proved too heavy for the scene to work. Still, the view from the top of the stairs inspired him to reshoot the scene without the dog. In Rocky Balboa, Rocky lifts his dog Punchy when he reaches the top of the steps. This scene was one of the first uses in a major film of the Steadicam, a stabilized camera mount that allows its operator to walk and even climb steps while smoothly filming.
Reviews
As cool as you would imagine. I had a great time putting on a hoodie, doing a few air punches for the camera, and then running up and down these steps. Don't worry, it's really not that bad, even at 80+ degrees I wasn't in a full sweat afterwards.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art (which the steps lead to) is located on a huge traffic circle and parking could be a problem, so be prepared to walk a little if you don't get lucky with a parking space.
You must run up the steps
It was fun
Always wanted to come as I am a Rocky fan! The fountain was beautiful and the atmosphere was amazing!!! Only thing that was upsetting is all the garbage people throw all over the floor -- very sad
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Rocky Steps
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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