Rittenhouse Square, Philly – A Rocky Filming Location and Historic Hotspot
“We could give her singing and dancing lessons…” That line from Rocky II lands softly during a quiet moment between Rocky and Adrian. The couple had just left the doctor’s office after learning they were expecting a baby, and they strolled into one of Philadelphia’s most iconic parks: Rittenhouse Square.
Where Rocky and Adrian Walked
Located just a few blocks from Philadelphia’s City Hall, Rittenhouse Square is where Rocky and Adrian share a joyful walk in Rocky II. The exact scene was filmed in the southeast corner of the square, near 18th and Locust Streets. Look closely and you’ll spot the stone façade of the Barclay Condominium in the background—a landmark moment that shows how Philly’s upscale and working-class worlds collide in the Rocky universe.
Want to trace their exact steps? Look for the Barclay building, once topped with a green awning back in 1979. That awning is long gone, replaced with a modern upscale entrance. According to an old interview, Stallone himself stayed at the Barclay between filming Rocky II and Rocky III. Maybe he got inspired by the view and chose this as a filming location.
Rittenhouse Square’s Surprising Stallone Connection
This wasn’t just a filming spot—Rittenhouse Square was once home to the Stallones. In the late 1950s, young Sly, his brother Frank, and their mother lived at the Chateau Crillon Apartments, located at 222 S. 19th Street. That’s just steps away from the square, and it adds a personal angle to this already meaningful location.
The History Behind Rittenhouse Square
Originally named Southwest Square, the park was renamed in 1825 for David Rittenhouse, a Philadelphia-born astronomer, inventor, and patriot who played a key role during the Revolutionary War. This guy is actually buried over at Laurel Hill Cemetery – the place where Adrian Balboa is “buried”. The area grew into the city’s most fashionable district, known for its fancy homes and refined architecture.
The current layout of Rittenhouse Square dates to 1913, with diagonal walkways that meet at the center. Several bronze statues from the early 20th century still decorate the park—including a lion and goat sculpture that’s been climbed on by generations of Philly kids.
Why Tourists Visit Rittenhouse Square Philly Today
Today, Rittenhouse Square isn’t just a Rocky location—it’s a full-on destination. The park is surrounded by high-end boutiques, five-star hotels, and some of the city’s best restaurants. People come here to picnic, people-watch, visit art galleries, or just unwind with a coffee under the trees.
It’s one of the original five public squares designed by William Penn in the late 1600s, making it not only beautiful but deeply historic. Nearby you’ll find:
- The Rosenbach Museum and Library – home to rare books and manuscripts.
- Walnut Street Shopping District – high-end retail including Burberry, Tiffany, and more.
- Parc Brasserie – a Parisian-style bistro with views of the square and top-tier people-watching.
- The Curtis Institute of Music – a breeding ground for world-class classical musicians.
Whether you’re following in Rocky’s footsteps or diving into Philly’s deep cultural roots, Rittenhouse Square delivers on all fronts.
