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What's happening to the Rocky statues in Philadelphia?
From new locations to an exhibit, a debate is brewing over the future location of Philadelphia's iconic Rocky statue.
PHILADELPHIA - A debate is brewing over the future location of Philadelphia's iconic Rocky statue.
What we know:
The replica eight and a half foot bronze statue was placed at the top of the Art Museum steps last December as part of the city's inaugural RockyFest.
Rocky Balboa’s legacy
The fictional character Rocky Balboa has become a symbol of Philadelphia and a global icon.
Valerios Corditz from Greece visited the statue to fulfill a childhood dream. "I remember myself watching the movie when he was beating his opponent. I was in my bed with him and like a dream came true," said Corditz.
William Alston from Detroit, on a food tour, also made sure to visit the statue.
"Loved him, I love Creed better now but I loved him," said Alston.
City's plan for the statue
Currently, there are three Rocky statues in Philadelphia: one at the airport and two near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The city plans to relocate the original statue, which sits next to the steps, and bring it inside for the first time ever. Following that exhibit, the original statue will then be ‘permanently installed’ at the top of the steps.
This relocation is intended to enhance the statue's meaning and connection to the iconic steps.
The project will cost Philadelphia an estimated $150,000 of taxpayer money.
What we know:
The Philadelphia Art Commission has approved the conceptual plan to move the statue but requires more information on accessibility before giving full approval.
"We don’t have full answers for every question, but we have anticipated and are working on full proposals to address an ameliorate any potential concerns that folks have particularly around accessibility," said Valerie Gay, Chief Cultural Officer of Philadelphia.
Mixed opinions on relocation
Opinions on the relocation are divided.
Some visitors prefer the statue's current location, while others believe it should be at the top of the steps, as depicted in the movie.
"I will say I like it being here cause it’s his own thing over there and that’s the art museum. I like them when they keep it separate," said one visitor.
Another added, "From the point of view of the movie, it’s supposed to be there, it’s the true part."
What we don't know:
It remains unclear when the relocation will be finalized, as the city needs to address accessibility concerns before proceeding.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Art Commission and local interviews.