Rocky makes triumphant return to art museum steps

By Taylor-Lynn Capaldo
Collegian Reporter
September 13, 2006

Rocky is back. I’m not just talking about Sly’s return to the big screen for the sixth and final installment of the movie that made the line “Yo, Adrienne” famous. I’m referring to the bronze statue of “The Italian Stallion” that has made its way back to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art after years of controversy.

Sylvester Stallone speaks before the unveiling of Rocky’s statue at the base of the
art museum steps. Photo taken by Natalie Choy

The statue, known as “Thundering Heart,” was crafted over 25 years ago for its original use in the movie Rocky III. After making its appearance in the film, Sylvester Stallone dedicated the eight foot, six inch bronze statue to the city. It was placed at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the very steps that were made famous by the original Rocky film. This location remained the statue’s home for only a few short months, until museum officials claimed that it was not “art” and instead a “movie prop.” The statue was moved to a new home at the Spectrum and then later placed in storage at the Wachovia Center.

Now, almost two decades later, the statue has made a triumphant return to its original home at the art museum. Last Wednesday, after approval from Mayor John Street, the Fairmount Park Commission, and a 6-2 vote by the Art Commission and the Art Museum Board of Trustees, it was decided that the statue should be placed on the lawn at the base of the Museum’s steps.

In celebration of the decision, and Rocky’s homecoming, last week was deemed “Philly Loves Rocky Week,” and events were scheduled all day Thursday and Friday, including a Rocky Look-Alike contest sponsored by the Philadelphia Daily News. The week finished with a dedication ceremony for the statue, featuring an appearance from Stallone himself.

The ceremony took place on Friday at 6 p.m., and featured Philadelphia lawyer Jimmy Binns, Mayor Street and a moving speech by Stallone. “Rocky Balboa and Sylvester Stallone are as Philly as cheesesteaks, soft pretzels and water ice, and they will always remain that way,” Binns remarked. His words were often interrupted by cheers and chants of “Rock-y, Rock-y!” from the crowd.

After a warm introduction, Stallone greeted camera crews, photographers and die-hard Rocky fans with an enthusiastic, “Yo, Philly!” He thanked all Philadelphians for their “love and help.”

Before unveiling the statue, Stallone talked about his first time running up the museum’s steps. “I ran up those stairs, did the turn around, looked out at the Philadelphia skyline and my life has never been the same since.”

The statue was revealed by Stallone, Binns and Street, as the famous theme from the movie played in the background. Cameras flashed, crowds cheered and chanted and someone screamed, “Yo, Adrienne!” as all three men posed for photos in front of the statue. Some people lingered about to snap more pictures or try to snag an autograph from Stallone, but most people headed over to the museum’s steps to watch a showing of the original Rocky on the big screen as the sun set.

Although the statue was gone for quite some time, there’s no doubt that it’s returned back to its proper home and is better than ever. Now, as the statue stands at the bottom of the museum’s steps in all of its bronze glory, it is safe to say that because of the perseverance and determination required to bring the statue back, Philly really does love Rocky.

capaldot1@lasalle.edu