RockyFest kicks off in Philadelphia with additional statue, devoted fans
For years, visitors have made the journey to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a pic and pose with the statue of Rocky, the famous fictional hero from Philly's favorite film franchise. It was sculpted in 1980 and sits at the bottom of the steps.
But now, at the top of the steps, you'll find another — a gift from Sylvester Stallone himself.
Stallone is lending his own cast of the Rocky statue from his home in Florida.
The special visitor helped kick off the first annual RockyFest, a six-day festival hosted by the Philadelphia Visitors Center with special activities like Rocky-themed date nights, movie marathons and bus tours highlighting the film's landmarks, which brought Carl Foxwell from Baltimore.
"I'm anxious to do the bus tour and see some of the points," Foxwell said. "Especially the front of the gym, Mickey's gym, it's exciting."
Olga Gerasimova was so excited she came all the way from Russia.
"For me, it's 100% resilience," she said. "I watch the 'Rocky' movies once every six months. I am so happy to be here!"
And a very dedicated fan from Italy said he considers the Italian Stallion a second father and Philly a second home.
"I love you Philadelphia, I love you Stallone, I love you all of this city," Spagnuolo said.
For others, it was a family occasion. Tony DeGennaro said he hopes the films teach his kids resilience.
"Rocky is better than Sesame Street — let me tell you that," DeGennaro said. "What you can learn from watching Rocky [is to] keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles life throws at you — and that's one thing that I want to pass on to them. And then if you look at Rocky, he has heart."
His 10-year-old son, Tony Jr., agreed.
"It's inspirational," DeGennaro Jr. said. "It helps you push through when you have a tough time in your life."
Visitors said one of the most special parts of RockyFest kickoff was an appearance from A. Thomas Schomberg, the sculptor behind the original Rocky statue. Reflecting on the legacy of his work, Schomberg was humble, saying, "I am simply a sculptor. This city has made this possible."
Schomberg, who came from Florida, shared what he gained from the story — and what drove him to pour passion into the iconic sculpture decades ago.
"Everybody has potential — everybody," Schomberg said. "Give it your best shot!"