A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.
Pat's King of Steaks, 1237, East Passyunk Avenue, Little Saigon, South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, 19148, United States of America
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Center City, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, 19130, United States of America
The ultimate underdog story is a love letter to working-class Philadelphia – its row houses, its Italian Market, its cheesesteaks – and it gave the world one of cinema’s greatest images: Rocky’s triumphant run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, now known simply as the Rocky Steps.
Where was Rocky filmed?
Rocky was filmed across Philadelphia – the Museum of Art steps, the Italian Market, Pat’s King of Steaks and the row-house neighbourhoods.
Every Rocky location, explained
1
The Rocky Steps – Museum of Art
Rocky’s iconic training run climbs the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, now a pilgrimage site with a Rocky statue at the base.
2
Pat’s King of Steaks
The film uses Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia, the legendary cheesesteak spot.
3
The Italian Market
Rocky’s training run passes through the Italian Market, where a vendor famously tosses him an orange.
4
The row-house neighbourhoods
Rocky’s and Adrian’s homes used the working-class streets of Kensington and Feltonville.
Planning a visit
The Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art are the ultimate pilgrimage – complete with a bronze Rocky statue – and the Italian Market and Pat’s King of Steaks are all real, working parts of the city.
Rocky Fun Facts
1
The steps are a pilgrimage The Philadelphia Museum of Art steps are now known worldwide as the ‘Rocky Steps,’ with a statue at the bottom.
2
Stallone wrote it fast Sylvester Stallone reportedly wrote the screenplay in a few days and insisted on starring, despite being unknown.
3
Made on a shoestring The film was shot quickly and cheaply, then won Best Picture.
4
Real Philadelphia flavour The Italian Market and Pat’s King of Steaks ground the film in genuine working-class Philadelphia.
5
An orange, tossed for real A market vendor tossing Rocky an orange during his run was an unscripted moment kept in the film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Rocky Steps?
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where a Rocky statue now stands.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Rocky Steps, the Italian Market and Pat’s King of Steaks are all accessible.
Who wrote Rocky?
Sylvester Stallone, who also starred.
Did Rocky win Best Picture?
Yes – the 1976 film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
