‘Yo Adrian!’: Statue from ‘Rocky III’ to be moved to top of art museum steps

The iconic Rocky statue from “Rocky III” will be moved from the base of the Philadelphia Art Museum to the top of its steps, where many Philly residents and fans of the movie say it belongs.

The top of the art museum’s steps have had a replica of the statue since Dec. 2024, and it has become a favorite among residents and visitors from around the world, who like to run up the steps and lift their arms just like Rocky did.

“It gives them that same strive he had,” said Louis Palacios, who was visiting from Sacramento. “I guess everyone wants that same mindset into it, and you know, never give up, and get back up.”

However, the replica statue belongs to Sylvester Stallone, and he wants it back.

So, the art museum has voted to move the original, which sits at the foot of the museum’s steps, to the top, where it was first unveiled in “Rocky III.”

The replica will be returned to Stallone after the Philadelphia Art Museum ends its upcoming Rocky exhibition, which will feature the original statue.

“We watched the movie so many times. Everybody watched around the world,” said John Horvath, who was visiting from Toronto. “This is on top. It’s the place where he actually turned around and gave gratitude toward Philadelphia at that position up there. This statue belongs up there, there is no question.”

In place of the original Rocky statue, a new statue will be placed at the spot at the foot of the steps. However, the art museum has not said what statue that will be just yet.

Another Rocky statue is also on display at PHL Airport, and that one will stay where it is.