Philadelphia Museum of Art - Relationship To Philadelphia

Relationship To Philadelphia

Besides being known for its architecture and collections, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has in recent decades become known due to the role it played in the Rocky films--Rocky (1976) and four of its five sequels, II, III, V and Rocky Balboa. Visitors to the museum are often seen mimicking Rocky's famous run up the front steps, now known widely as the "Rocky Steps".

A bronze statue of Rocky was briefly placed at the top of the steps for the filming of Rocky III and later moved to the Spectrum. The statue was returned to the steps for the film Rocky V, and also appears in the movies Philadelphia and Mannequin. On September 8, 2006, a ceremony marked its relocation to the foot of the steps in the gardens adjacent to Eakins Oval prior to the demolition of the Spectrum.

Because of its location at the end of the Franklin Parkway, the museum provides the backdrop for many public events, including concerts and parades. On July 2, 2005, the steps of the museum played host to the Philadelphia venue of Live 8, where artists such as Dave Matthews Band, Linkin Park and Maroon 5 performed. The museum closed for Live 8, but reopened at regular hours the following day. The Philadelphia Freedom Concert was held two days later, with a Ball beforehand at the museum.