ROCKY'S MARK ON PHILADELPHIA


In 1976, the movie Rocky won an Academy Award for best Picture. Rocky was a filmed that displayed a Rags to Riches journey of a boxer that had very little in life and was given an opportunity to fight against a world known boxer.  It was life journey that can apply to everyone.  A life lesson about determination of wanting something more than the other person and making the most of an opportunity.  It showed the others that we have the capability to better ourselves.  The Rocky movie gave a agreat sense of hope.  Rocky was one of the most inspirational movies of our time.In the last of 6 Rocky movies, Rocky gives and inspirational speech to his son about beliving in yourself and not letting anyone tell you that you can't reach a goal.    In 1976 Rocky made the Philadelphia Art Museum recognizable when the movie won the Academy Award.  Rocky's triumph run up the steps of the Art Museum symbolized determination and perserverence.  The Art Museum has become one of the famous tourist attractions of Philadelphia.  Many toursist find themselves running up the steps of the museum to demonostrate their determination. Getting to the top you are awarded by reaching your goal and getting to the top of the Art Museum you are rewarded with the beautiful skyline of the city.  During the 1996 Olympic torch relay, olympian Dawn Staley, a native of Philadelphia was chosen to run up the steps.  Philadelphia's monthly bike ride cyclist finish at the top of the steps holding their bikes in their hands as a sense of accomplishment.  Rebox campaign with Allen Iverson, former member if the 76ers, shows him running up the steps.  2004 Presidential canidate John Kerry ended his campaign at the end of the steps.  The Art Museum steps have become backdrop for concerts in Philadelphia such as Live 8.  Former Mayor John Street mentioned that the steps were one of Philadelphia's biggest tourist attraction.  The statue was originally donated to the Art Museum and placed at the top of the steps but was removed because it was not considered art but rather a movie prop.  The statue was moved to the Wachovia Center.  It eventually went back to the bottom of the stairs at the East Entrance of the Art Museum when it was recognized to have such an impact on our culture. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z5OookwOoY

http://philadelphia.about.com/od/uniquelyphiladelphia/l/blrocky_statue.htm

http://www.uwishunu.com/2011/01/the-philadelphia-museum-of-arts-rocky-steps-named-the-second-most-famous-movie-location-in-the-entire-world/