The iconic Rocky Balboa statue in Philadelphia, a salute to Sylvester Stallone’s unforgettable character in the groundbreaking sports-drama, ‘Rocky,’ has been moved inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an unseen show. Considered a symbol of sheer will and persistence by the residents of Philadelphia and fans worldwide, the statue is a beloved element on the museum’s rocky steps.
The 8-foot sculpture, weighing nearly 2000 pounds, was hoisted and moved by cranes within the museum on Wednesday. Normally positioned at the bottom of the museum’s steps, the migration of this storied monument has stirred a whirlwind of curiosity amongst the locals and online enthusiasts.
The statue, cast by A. Thomas Schomberg in 1980 has been relocated to the museum’s ‘Art of the Movies: Paint, Popcorn, and the Pictures that Shape Society’ exhibit opening in November. The exhibition aims to explore the intricate relationship between fine arts and cinema, the impact of movies on modern culture, and the interpretation of society through the cinematic lens.
Keith Ragone, the exhibit curator posited, “This show aims to present the beauty and power of cinema as an artistic form by connecting it to world-class art pieces in our museum. The Rocky statue, being a symbol of Hollywood’s contribution to popular culture and an object of public art, fits perfectly into the frame.”
The sculpture initially faced criticism as a disputed artwork, perceived as a movie prop rather than a representation of art. After a tumultuous journey it found its permanent spot outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art over a decade ago. The location is identified in the Rocky film series as the termination of the ‘Rocky Steps,’ a vigorous training regimen’s climax.
The Philadelphia Museum, in a released statement, stressed, “The statue’s indoor position is temporary and will be moved back to its usual home once the exhibit ends.” Anticipating the public’s concern, they reassured Rocky Balboa fans that their favorite sight would return to its original location by late spring of next year.
The Rocky statue’s relocation gained considerable online traction, with social media platforms buzzing with speculation on the statue’s temporary new home. ‘Rocky’ fans, cinema enthusiasts and Philadelphia residents shared historical anecdotes, personal memories associated with the statue, and their curiosity about the upcoming show.
Museum officials have expressed their hope that moving such a statement piece of pop-culture into the exhibition will facilitate a broader conversation on films’ integration into society’s fabric and the relevance of cinematic art forms in modern culture.
This arrangement is not without precedent. The art scene has often witnessed an intermingling of ‘high’ and ‘pop’ arts cultures. Posthumous exhibits of works by Andy Warhol, a prominent figure in the Pop-Art movement, are frequently showcased in traditional art venues.
The online community linked the relocation to Philadelphia’s broader efforts to garner tourism and shed light on the myriad cultural offerings aside from its popular sporting landmarks. As an icon entrenched in the city’s pop-culture narrative, the Rocky statue’s inclusion in a fine arts exhibition serves to amplify the city’s vibrant cultural panorama, spotlighting Philadelphia as a city where art and pop culture collide.
The ‘Art of the Movies: Paint, Popcorn, and the Pictures that Shape Society’ exhibition is anticipated to open its doors mid-November, ushering a fresh perspective on cinematic influence within the broader arts spectrum. Among other displays, the Rocky statue will undoubtedly continue to act not just as a testament to an enduring movie legacy but also a symbol of the close-knit bond between society and its silver screen. As for its fans, their beloved statue remains in safe hands, albeit housed temporarily in a new location.
Original Source: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-rocky-statue-moved-inside-philadelphia-museum-art-new
