Rocky Steps: The Ultimate Guide to Philly’s Most Famous Landmark
“These steps get longer every year.” – Rocky Balboa
If you’ve ever laced up your sneakers and sprinted up the Rocky Steps, you’re part of a global tradition inspired by one of the greatest training montages in film history. The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s 72-step entrance became legendary thanks to Rocky, and today, millions of fans visit to relive the moment.
But what’s the real story behind the Rocky Steps? Let’s dive into their history, the iconic statue, and what you can expect when making your own run up Philly’s most famous stairs.
Why Are They Called the Rocky Steps?
Before Rocky (1976) hit theaters, these were just the entrance stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That all changed when Sylvester Stallone’s underdog boxer, Rocky Balboa, sprinted to the top, raised his fists, and cemented the steps as a symbol of triumph.
It was Garrett Brown’s invention of the Steadicam that revolutionized one of cinema’s most famous shots, and changed moviemaking forever. The Steadicam seamlessly followed Stallone like a shadow, racing up those steps, making audiences feel they were running right there alongside him.
The Rocky Steps have appeared in nearly every film in the Rocky series, with one exception: Rocky IV. However, they did make a brief return in Rocky vs. Drago (2021), Sly’s director’s cut of Rocky IV.
Even Stallone has returned to the steps multiple times. In 2015, while filming Creed, he surprised fans at the top with a selfie.
Construction of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was completed in 1928 with a grand neoclassical design. The 72-step east entrance later became famous as the Rocky Steps.
The architectural firm of Horace Trumbauer designed the museum. Julian Abele, one of the first prominent African-American architects, helped design the museum’s terraces, including the steps.
The Rocky Steps: Philly’s #1 Tourist Destination
The Rocky Steps aren’t just a movie location—they’re the #1 tourist attraction in Philadelphia. Up to 4 million people climb them each year. Tens of thousands recreate Rocky’s iconic moment, arms raised in triumph.
Here’s why fans from all over the world take on the challenge:
- Bronzed Footprints: At the top, you’ll find Sylvester Stallone’s Converse sneaker prints embedded in cement, alongside a plaque reading “ROCKY.”
- Breathtaking City Views: Reaching the top rewards you with a stunning view of the Philadelphia skyline.
- Fitness Challenge: Whether you’re a casual jogger or a hardcore fitness enthusiast, running the Rocky Steps is a bucket-list workout.
- Rocky-Themed Selfies: Every day, people recreate Rocky’s classic victory pose, arms raised in triumph.
This phenomenon isn’t just about fitness or film nostalgia—it’s an international rite of passage. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Vitez and photographer Tom Gralish explored this tradition in their book, Rocky Stories: Tales of Love, Hope, and Happiness. They spent a year at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, capturing personal stories of runners who make the climb. Many come for inspiration, new beginnings, or even romance.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art itself is one of the largest in the U.S., featuring a world-class collection of exhibits. While running up the steps is free, general museum admission is $30 (as of 2025).
Did the Rocky Steps Almost Get Obliterated?
In 2014, the Philadelphia Museum of Art planned a major expansion, designed by architect Frank Gehry. One proposal would have cut into the Rocky Steps, adding a glass window and amphitheater to the east entrance. We’re talking about destroying both a pop culture landmark and a piece of Philadelphia’s history. The idea had Rocky fans and preservationists up in arms.
Thankfully, the plan never went through. The museum expanded, but the Rocky Steps stayed exactly as they were—untouched, just like they should be.
Where to Find the Rocky Statue
Today, the Rocky Statue (yes, the actual one from the movies) sits at the base of the steps, off to the right in a garden area. But it hasn’t always been there. This 8.5-foot bronze beast, first introduced in Rocky III, originally stood at the top of the steps for filming in 1982. After that, it bounced around like a fighter between rounds.
When Rocky III wrapped, some people didn’t see it as “real art” and argued that it didn’t belong at the museum. So, the city moved it to The Spectrum (RIP, old Philly sports arena). It made a comeback at the steps for Rocky V, then got shuffled back to the Spectrum again. But Philly fans weren’t having it—people loved the statue and wanted it in its rightful place.
Finally, in 2006, Stallone made it official. He dedicated the statue to the city and placed it in the museum’s garden area. Even Rocky Balboa (2006) calls it out, when Paulie grumbles, “Are ya mad they got rid of your statue?” In Creed, the statue is no longer at the top. In Creed II, Ivan Drago and his son Viktor stand before it, showing that even Rocky’s biggest rival respects the symbol.
Then came December 2024, and something incredible happened—RockyFest. To celebrate nearly 50 years of Rocky, the city (temporarily) moved the statue back to the top of the steps. It stood just like in Rocky III and Rocky V.
Stallone called it an “incredible moment.” He even said, “Maybe it was meant to stay there so people can truly enjoy the way it was conceived.”
Run the Rocky Steps Like a Champ
If you’re planning a visit, here are a few tips to make the most of your Rocky-style run:
✔️ Arrive Early – The Rocky Steps are generally busiest from about noon to 4 PM, especially on weekends. If you want that authentic Rocky experience, hit the steps early in the morning—just like Balboa did. Plus, you’ll get the most Rocky-esque lighting for photos.
✔️ Bring a Friend – Someone’s gotta capture your moment of glory at the top.
✔️ Play “Gonna Fly Now” – Trust us, it makes the experience 100x better.
✔️ Explore the Museum – After your run, step inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art to check out its world-class collection.
✔️ Parking vs. Uber – If you’re driving, paid parking is available in the museum’s garage or nearby lots. If you want to skip the hassle, Uber, Lyft, and taxis are easy options with drop-offs near the steps.
