This weekend, the Philadelphia Museum of Art unveils an ambitious exhibition centring on the iconic Rocky Balboa statue, a symbol of resilience that has drawn millions to the city. Titled *Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments*, the show examines the cultural significance of monuments while commemorating two millennia of boxing and celebrity. With the Rocky statue at its heart, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the narratives that monuments convey and the complex histories they embody.
A Cultural Icon
Since its installation on the museum’s famed “Rocky Steps” in 1982—six years after the original *Rocky* film catapulted Sylvester Stallone to stardom—the statue has become a beloved attraction for an estimated four million visitors each year. For many, Rocky represents more than just a cinematic hero; he embodies the struggle and triumph of the underdog. Curator Paul Farber, co-founder of the non-profit Monument Lab, describes the statue as a “cultural meeting ground” that resonates with people navigating their own challenges.
Farber’s fascination with the statue began five years ago as he observed the constant lines of visitors eager to capture the perfect photograph emulating Rocky’s iconic pose. Notably, he discovered that the number of people visiting the statue rivals that of the Statue of Liberty—an astonishing statistic that underscores its global appeal. “It’s a site of pilgrimage for individuals seeking solace,” Farber noted, while also acknowledging the complexities surrounding the portrayal of heroes, particularly in a city rich with the legacies of Black boxers who have shaped the sport.
The Exhibition’s Roots
As the Rocky franchise celebrates its 50th anniversary, this exhibition seeks to explore why the statue endures as a focal point of fascination. In an era of intense scrutiny regarding monuments, the Philadelphia Museum of Art poses a critical question: what drives millions to the Rocky statue? The answer, it suggests, lies in the longstanding tradition of fighters evolving into public icons, a theme supported by an array of historical and contemporary artworks.
The show features not only the bronze statue from the 1982 film *Rocky III* but also ancient sculptures like the Hellenistic *Seated Boxer*, 19th-century European art, and images from boxing’s golden age in America. Among these are depictions of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, whose legacy intertwines with the narratives of struggle and achievement that Rocky embodies.
Rocky’s Contested Legacy
The connection between the Rocky statue and the themes of race and representation is particularly poignant. While Rocky may serve as a beacon of hope for many, Farber emphasises the need to recognise the absence of Black representation within this mythologised narrative. “The most mythical Philadelphian is a white boxer who never lived,” he remarked, calling attention to the significant contributions of Black athletes within the sport and the broader community.
Interestingly, Stallone himself has expressed his complex feelings regarding the statue’s place in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape. In a series of voicemails to Farber, he described the museum steps as a “magical area” that inspired him deeply, akin to historical monuments like the Acropolis. Stallone articulated how Rocky’s journey—from humble beginnings to triumph—mirrors the struggles of many, yet he also acknowledged the statue’s origin as a prop, which raises questions about the nature of art and legacy.
A Monumental Dialogue
The exhibition also sparks a broader conversation about the role of monuments in society. “We had a very fraught relationship with a statue that started off as a movie prop,” Louis Marchesano, the museum’s deputy director of curatorial affairs, shared, reflecting on past debates over the statue’s significance. The conversation around Rocky is part of a larger dialogue regarding which stories we choose to commemorate and how they reflect our values and histories as a society.
Why it Matters
As we confront a cultural moment defined by a reckoning with public monuments, *Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments* illuminates the power that these symbols wield in shaping our collective narrative. The statue of Rocky Balboa stands as a testament to aspiration and resilience, yet it also compels us to consider the stories we elevate and the voices we overlook. In examining the Rocky phenomenon, we are invited to reflect on our own histories and the legacies we choose to honour, reminding us that every monument carries the weight of both reverence and responsibility.