A new exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is set to delve into the cultural significance of monuments, with a special focus on the iconic statue of Rocky Balboa. This statue, which has become a symbol of perseverance and triumph since its unveiling in 1982, sits proudly at the top of the museum’s famous steps. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original Rocky film, this exhibition, titled *Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments*, invites visitors to explore the intricate relationship between boxing, celebrity, and public memory.
A Monument to the Underdog
The Rocky statue, immortalised in the 1976 film featuring Sylvester Stallone, attracts around four million visitors each year, making it one of Philadelphia’s most beloved tourist destinations. Curator Paul Farber, co-founder of Monument Lab—a non-profit organisation dedicated to reimagining public art—has long regarded the statue as a personal symbol of hope and resilience. “No matter the time of day or year, there’s always a queue of people eager to emulate Rocky,” Farber remarked. His fascination grew after he realised that the statue garners as much attention as the Statue of Liberty itself.
Farber’s research reveals that the Rocky statue serves as a “cultural meeting ground,” where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to find strength in their struggles. Yet, it is important to acknowledge the complexities surrounding this beloved figure. Despite being a fictional white boxer, Rocky’s narrative overshadows the contributions of numerous Black boxers who have made significant impacts on the Philadelphia community.
The Exhibition’s Broader Context
In a time marked by intense scrutiny of monuments and their meanings, the exhibition poses a critical question: why do so many flock to the Rocky statue? By exploring the historical context of fighters as public figures, the exhibition connects ancient sculptures, such as the Hellenistic Seated Boxer, with contemporary artistic interpretations. Visitors can expect to see works from notable artists, including Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, alongside images from boxing history, highlighting figures like Jack Johnson, the first Black world heavyweight champion.
The exhibition also reflects on the evolving perception of the Rocky statue itself. Initially dismissed as a mere movie prop, the statue’s significance has transformed over the years. “We had a very fraught relationship with a statue that started off as a movie prop,” said Louis Marchesano, the museum’s deputy director of curatorial affairs. The shift from viewing the statue as an object of ridicule to embracing it as a cultural landmark underscores the changing dynamics of public art.
Stallone’s Personal Connection
Sylvester Stallone himself has shared his thoughts on the statue’s place at the museum. He described the steps as a “magical area,” akin to the Acropolis, and expressed how they encapsulate Rocky’s journey from hardship to success. “The fact that he eventually runs up the steps of this magnificent structure that he doesn’t understand what is inside or what it represents speaks volumes,” Stallone noted. The statue, commissioned from sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg, has evolved into a piece of art that embodies not just Rocky’s journey but also a broader narrative of resilience.
Why it Matters
This exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art transcends mere nostalgia for a beloved film; it serves as a critical reflection on the nature of monuments and their roles in shaping collective memory. By juxtaposing the story of Rocky Balboa against a backdrop of historical and contemporary figures in boxing, the exhibition challenges visitors to reconsider what monuments signify in our society today. In an era where the meanings of public art are under constant reevaluation, *Rising Up* invites us to engage with the complexities of identity, struggle, and aspiration, compelling us to question who we choose to celebrate and why.