Rocky Statue Moved to Museum Steps Top
The iconic statue now sits atop the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps following a multi-week foundation project.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Boxing
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Workers have successfully relocated the Rocky statue to the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. A Joe Frazier statue now occupies its previous position at the base of the landmark.
Why it matters
The relocation reorganizes the tribute to Philadelphia's boxing legacy at one of the city's most visited landmarks. These changes reflect a new arrangement for the two statues that celebrate the area's cinematic and professional fighting history.
A 12-foot tall statue of Joe Frazier now stands at the base of the museum steps, replacing the Rocky statue that previously occupied the space.
The players
Rocky Balboa
He is a fictional boxer and the central character of a film series that became a cultural icon for the city of Philadelphia.
Joe Frazier
He was a professional heavyweight boxing champion who gained international fame for his legendary rivalry with Muhammad Ali.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
This major cultural institution serves as the primary location for the city's most famous public monuments.
The details
Crews spent several weeks constructing an underground support foundation to accommodate the weight of the statue at its new location. The Rocky statue had previously spent several months inside the museum for an exhibit, during which time a replica occupied the steps.
Timeline
Workers finalized the statue move on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This reconfiguration marks a departure from the 2006 installation of the Rocky statue at the museum base by fundamentally altering the plaza layout. The move updates the physical landscape of Philadelphia's boxing history to give equal weight to a real-world professional champion.
Visitors to the Philadelphia Museum of Art can now view the Rocky statue at the top of the steps. The installation of the Joe Frazier statue at the base adds a new focal point for those touring the grounds.
The takeaway
The move ensures that both cinematic history and the legacy of real-world fighters are honored at the landmark. Visitors should plan for a slightly altered layout when approaching the museum entrance for photos.
Further reading
For more on the local fight scene, visit the Boxing section.
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