78-year-old Sylvester Stallone may not be a champion in the ring, but he remains a true people’s champion. After three decades, the iconic Rocky statue has returned to its rightful place atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Earlier this month, a second casting of the statue—owned by Stallone himself—was unveiled, marking a triumphant moment for fans and the city alike.

According to reports, the statue will remain on loan at the Philadelphia Museum of Art until December 31st. The unveiling took place during the city’s second annual Rocky Day, coinciding with the 48th anniversary of the original film. In an exciting twist, the event also marked the launch of the city’s first-ever RockyFest. Meanwhile, Stallone has shared a memorable photo of the sculpture on social media, sparking a buzz among fans.

Sylvester Stallone voices support for statue’s rightful place

What made the unveiling even more memorable is the fact that the sculptor of the statue, A. Thomas Schomberg was at the venue for the unveiling. To top it off, it took place at the same spot where the Mayor in the Rocky III film dedicates the statue in “a celebration of the indomitable spirit of man.”

Upon its unveiling, Schomberg credited Stallone and Philly for making it possible while stating that the statue is a symbol “that it’s better to have fought the good fight and lose than not to fight at all.” Interestingly enough, the original statue was last seen on the steps in 1990 when Rocky V was filmed. However, the city’s Art Commission refused to let it stay there. 

In a report explaining why, the Art Commission wrote, “The quality of the piece does not merit its serious consideration on the museum grounds.” Regardless, the second Rocky statue, which has been at the base of the Art Museum steps since 2006, will continue to call the spot its home. Coming back to the second statue, which is currently at the top, Stallone purchased it at an auction in 2017 for $403,657. 

“This statue represents everything that the Rocky films stand for: resilience, heart, and the unbreakable bond between Rocky and the people of Philadelphia,” Stallone said in a press release. “It’s a gift to my fans who have supported me and the Rocky story for the last 48 years, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring this special moment to life in the very city that made it all possible.”

Stallone took to Instagram today to write, “Real photo. Maybe it was meant to stay there so people can truly enjoy it the way it was conceived KEEP PUNCHING!” He shared a striking picture of the statue at night, taken from the bottom of the steps. The image beautifully captured the spirit and resilience that the statue was always meant to convey, with the glowing lights casting a powerful aura around the iconic figure.

This seems to have prompted fans to rally behind keeping the statue there permanently, as it’s supposed to be taken down after December 31st. 

Nostalgia envelops fans 

There are few in this world who wouldn’t get goosebumps standing in awe of the statue and the incredible story behind it. Yet, those few seemed to be absent from the comments section of the post Stallone shared with the iconic picture. One user was left speechless, unable to find the right words to describe the emotions stirred by the powerful image of the statue. “Respect. Respect. and Respect,” the user wrote. It’s been more than four decades since the first Rocky movie hit the big screen, and the love people still have for the movie says it all. 

Meanwhile, the next user suggested the statue was meant for that spot on top of the steps. “Are they going to leave the statue there forever @officialslystallone? I sure hope so! That’s exactly where it belongs for eternity,” the user wrote. However, that has to be authorized by the city officials, and since the same endeavor has not been possible before, a second go at it might be difficult. 

Another user felt the picture of the statue perfectly captured the sentiment the movie tried to convey. “Most iconic photo ever!! Congratulations to whoever took it, because it really conveys the feeling that Rocky conveys at the top of the stairs🔥👏❤️,” the user commented. Stallone, actually, revealed who took the picture, writing, “photo by @john_rivoli.” John Rivoli is the official Rocky artist for the MGM Studios & Sylvester Stallone.

The next user tagged the Philadelphia Museum of Art directly, urging them to keep the statue there permanently. “Keep it at the top of the stairs. @philamuseum,” the user wrote. Whether these calls are heard by the museum is yet to be seen.

Similarly, the next user also voiced their support for keeping the statue at the top of the steps. “I believe that’s where the statue belongs, at the very top of the steps overlooking the people of Philly. Very inspiring photo. Keep punching! 👊🏻🥊,” the user wrote. Philadelphia is renowned for producing some of the finest boxers and if the statue remains there, it will only further elevate the city’s legacy.

That being said, it’s safe to say that the fans loved both the statue and the image Sylvester Stallone shared on social media. However, only time will tell whether the statue remains there or is taken back to Stallone. Would you like the statue to remain at the top of the stairs in the Philadelphia Museum of Art?