"Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

If you are a fan of Rocky movies then you’re probably familiar with the scene where Rocky Balboa runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This scene has become so iconic that the steps are now commonly referred to as the “Rocky Steps”.

But there is much more to the Philadelphia Museum of Art than this scene from a movie. Here is what you need to know before visiting this popular tourist attraction.

What to Know

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country and houses an extensive collection of artwork from around the world. It is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a scenic boulevard that connects the museum to other cultural institutions in the city.

The museum is also known for its public art, including a bronze Rocky Balboa statue at the top of the steps. 

The museum was made famous by the original Rocky movie in 1976 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. The steps were also featured in the movie Rocky III, which was released in 1982.

The steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have become a symbol of the city and their relation to a fictional boxer has attracted millions of tourists to this place.

How to Get There

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or by foot. Visitors can take the SEPTA subway or a bus to the museum or walk from other major attractions in Philadelphia. If you are driving, there is also a paid parking area nearby.

But the best way to visit the museum is by booking a private tour so you don't have to worry about whether to take a bus or where to park your car, the tour company takes care of all of it.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowd is smaller. If you’re planning to visit during the summer months, be prepaid for larger crowds and longer wait times.

The nighttime in Philly is a magical time and everything looks more alive, the scenic Philadelphia night tour takes you around the city and you get to experience all the beauty of the city under the night sky.

Highlights

One of the highlights of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is its extensive collection of artwork. The museum has more than 240,000 objects in its collection, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from all over the world.

The main highlight of the rocky steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a tribute to the Rocky movies, especially the original Rocky and Rocky III movies where the character Rocky Balboa runs up the steps as part of his training.

The rocky steps and the bronze statue are also a monument to the actor, Sylvester Stallone who created and portrayed the character of the fictional boxer.

Features

The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a range of features for visitors including guided tours, audio guides, and interactive exhibits. The Rocky Steps are also accessible to all visitors, and you don't have to pay anything to run up the steps.

The top of Rocky Steps provides great photo opportunities for visitors, with a stunning view of Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city’s skyline. You can also take a self-guided tour and learn about the history and significance of the steps and the bronze statue.