Today's Article

"The top of the steps is where the artist 3intended it to stand, where it was first 4unveiled, and where the Rocky story lives. For many people, the steps and the 5statue are 6inseparable."

But first, let's refresh your memory. There are three 7identical Rocky statues. 

The original, made famous by the film Rocky III, that's at the bottom of the steps.

A second, owned by Sylvester Stallone and loaned to Philadelphia last year, that's now at the top.

And a third one that's on display at the airport. But that one's not important.

Back to the first two, which will not be moving overnight.

First, the original will move inside the Art Museum to be displayed as part of a Rocky exhibit from April to August.

Then, this fall, the original statue will replace the 8replica that is currently at the top of the steps, but set a little further back.

The replica will then be returned to its owner, Rocky himself, Sylvester Stallone.

"Now, the biggest concern with this 9proposal is 10accessibility, since not everyone can climb the 72 steps to see Rocky. Not to worry, though, this proposal calls for a wheelchair-accessible shuttle that will run all day, bringing people from the bottom to the top and back down again."

"I look at the statue where it is, and it is very accessible. It is where an 80-year-old man doesn't have to climb the steps if he doesn't want to."

While not everyone at the meeting agreed with the plan, most of the visitors we talked to felt Rocky's rightful place is at the top of the steps.

"The movie 11portrayed him with that effort, the challenge that he's 12surpassed. So that's my inspiration, for me, it should—the original should—be up there."