RockyFest kicks off with surprise statue of underdog boxer in Philadelphia | Philadelphia

The city of Philadelphia is hosting its first “RockyFest” in honor of the film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone as the boxing protagonist – and included an event-opening surprise at the top of the so-called Rocky Steps.

The festival, which began on the franchise’s 48th anniversary on 3 December and runs through 8 December, includes a bus tour, mural unveiling and movie marathon.

The first film of the series, Rocky, was released in 1976 and gained a foothold in US cinematic history. The scene of the underdog boxer, Rocky Balboa, climbing the stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in triumph after a run continues to be referenced throughout popular culture.

A statue of the fictional character was presented in a scene in Rocky III, and Stallone gifted the real thing from his personal collection to the city of Philadelphia in 1982. It was originally located at the top of the steps outside the art museum where the scene took place, but was later moved, after much debate, until it found its final home at the bottom of the steps in 2006.

On Tuesday, a second cast of the famous Rocky statue, also owned by Stallone, was revealed for the festival at the top of the famous steps, where it will remain for a month on loan from the star. It had been shrouded for several days but the familiar shape of raised arms with boxing-gloved hands was discernible under the cover and generated a buzz.

On Tuesday, the Rocky statue sculptor, Thomas Schomberg, attended the unveiling.

Although no actors from the film, including Stallone, have announced appearances at the festival, Stallone said the statue “represents everything that the Rocky films stand for: resilience, heart, and the unbreakable bond between Rocky and the people of Philadelphia. 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.”

The actor added: “Philadelphia has always been close to my heart, and I hope this gift resonates with everyone who has been part of the Rocky journey. I’m excited to see how the fans embrace this moment – it’s for them.”

A third version of the statue, by Schomberg, is available for purchase for $1.5m. Only three versions exist.

The Rocky story, and the iconic museum steps, have been a constant draw for tourists since the beginning.

“Every day at our visitor centers, we meet and talk to fans from all over the world who have come to Philadelphia to run the art museum steps and take their photo with the Rocky statue,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and chief executive of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation.

She added: “Rocky is a hero for so many people and the message of the film, rising above all odds to become a champion, has inspired a national and international pilgrimage to this iconic site.”