Rocky Statue, Bronze statue at Philadelphia Museum of Art, United States
This bronze sculpture stands at the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, depicting a boxer with raised fists in a triumphant pose. The artwork was created by artist A. Thomas Schomberg and sits in a central location where it can be easily seen by passersby.
The statue was created in 1981 for a film, resulting from collaboration between the artist and a famous actor. After filming ended, the work was donated to Philadelphia and has remained part of the city's public art collection ever since.
The statue depicts a boxer with raised arms, embodying the spirit of determination and perseverance that resonates with visitors. People come here to recreate the famous pose and feel connected to this story of personal struggle and triumph.
The best way to reach this artwork is to walk or use public transportation to get to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The location sits in a well-known area where visitors can also explore other nearby attractions.
The artwork was moved several times to different locations around the city before finding its current home at the museum. This journey through Philadelphia makes it a symbol of the city's changing story and identity.
Location: Philadelphia
Location: Pennsylvania
Inception: 1981
Creator: A. Thomas Schomberg
Made from material: bronze
Creator: A. Thomas Schomberg
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Website: https://associationforpublicart.org/artwork/rocky
GPS coordinates: 39.96514,-75.17930
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Statues of film and television characters are displayed in streets, parks, and airports of many cities around the world. These bronze and metal monuments honor figures who have made a mark in the history of cinema. From the giant sculpture of Marilyn Monroe in Palm Springs, recreating the famous scene from "Seven Year Itch," to the 4-meter statue of Charlie Chaplin installed outside the Corsier-sur-Vevey museum in Switzerland, these installations allow visitors to explore film legends' legacies. Some locations concentrate several of these sculptures. At Leicester Square, London's cinema district, nine bronze statues depict characters like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Indiana Jones, Bugs Bunny, and Mr. Bean. Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars features a statue of Bruce Lee in a fighting stance. In Wellington, New Zealand, the airport hosts a large-scale Gollum from The Lord of the Rings. These landmarks provide photo opportunities and encourage exploration of the cities where they are located.
Statues of film and cartoon characters stand in dozens of cities worldwide, connecting popular culture with public space. From the bronze figures along Hong Kong's waterfront to the collected sculptures at Leicester Square in London, these works mark the cultural reach of cinema and animation. Some emerged from commercial initiatives, others from local pride in characters connected to the city. Together, they form an unexpected geography of entertainment history. The collection includes well known locations like the bronze boxer statue in Philadelphia and the full scale Gundam in Odaiba, as well as more obscure installations such as the Popeye statue in Alma, Texas, or the Winnie the Pooh figure in White River, Canada. In Brussels and Charleroi, several statues honor Belgian comic strip characters like Gaston Lagaffe, Tintin and Marsupilami. London hosts various representations, including Sherlock Holmes, Paddington Bear and a series of film sculptures around Leicester Square. Other examples range from Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens to Mary Poppins in Queensland, Australia. Most of these statues are freely accessible and work well as part of city walks. Some, like the Yoda fountain in the Presidio or the Superman statue in Metropolis, Illinois, specifically draw fans. Others, such as Hachiko in Odate or Charlie Chaplin in Vevey, have become local landmarks. This collection demonstrates how entertainment figures have become permanent fixtures in urban landscapes.
Philadelphia contains major sites from the American founding era alongside diverse museums and urban architecture. The Old City holds Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while Independence National Historical Park encompasses several 18th-century buildings. Elfreth's Alley preserves colonial-era rowhouses, and Eastern State Penitentiary documents the history of incarceration. The city maintains significant art collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute focuses on science education, while the Academy of Natural Sciences presents natural history displays. The Museum of the American Revolution complements the historic sites downtown. Beyond the center lies Valley Forge National Historical Park, where Washington's army encamped during the winter of 1777-78. Reading Terminal Market has offered regional produce and food stalls since 1893. Fairmount Park extends along the Schuylkill River and includes Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Additional destinations include the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens with its mosaic artwork. One Liberty Observation Deck provides views across the cityscape, while the Rocky Statue outside the art museum references the film series.
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