The 'Rocky' statue was originally commissioned for 'Rocky III' and was later donated to the city.
The museum's architect, Julian Abele, was the first African American graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Architecture.
The steps feature in the 'Rocky' film franchise, including the 2015 spin-off 'Creed'.
The statue has been moved to various locations around the city before finding its permanent home at the base of the steps.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art's building is modeled after ancient Greek temple architecture.
The steps provide an unobstructed view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which was designed to emulate the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps gained international fame as the training site for the title character in the 1976 film 'Rocky'. The limestone staircase consists of 72 steps leading to the main entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Visitors often recreate the 'Rocky run' by sprinting to the top to overlook the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Center City skyline. A bronze statue of the fictional boxer stands at the base of the stairs near the right side of the steps. The site serves as a public plaza for the museum, which houses an extensive collection of Renaissance, American, and Asian art. The steps themselves are part of the museum's neoclassical building designed by Horace Trumbauer and Julian Abele. It remains a major tourist destination in Philadelphia, frequently hosting outdoor fitness groups and public events.
At the top of the stairs, centered to capture the view looking down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway toward the skyline.
Visit during the early morning to avoid large crowds and capture the best photos.
Walk around to the side of the museum to find the lesser-known 'Rocky' footprints embedded in the pavement.
Combine your visit with the museum's permanent collections to experience the art after climbing the steps.
Attempting the run in wet or icy conditions due to slippery stone surfaces.
The steps themselves are accessible 24/7, though museum entry is subject to standard operating days, typically closing on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Athletic shoes are recommended for the climb; standard public conduct applies.
