Philadelphia prepares for a significant year in 2026, with exciting developments and events on the horizon.

In 2026, the iconic film Rocky will celebrate its 50th anniversary, and to mark this milestone, the Philadelphia Art Museum has announced a major exhibition entitled “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments.” This exhibition will delve into the myths and cultural significance surrounding the legendary statue of Rocky Balboa, located at the base of the museum, and is slated to open in the Dorrance Galleries on April 25, 2026.

The exhibition is curated by Paul Farber, a co-founder of Monument Lab, and will feature over 150 works from more than 50 artists, including notable names such as Keith Haring, Rashid Johnson, Andy Warhol, Carrie Mae Weems, and Hank Willis Thomas. These artists, both renowned and emerging, will be joined by participants from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Restorative Justice Program. The exhibition aims to provide a platform for exploring the evolving role of monuments in society and the way they shape public spaces, with the Rocky statue serving as a focal point.

The Rocky statue, crafted by sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg, has become a beloved landmark visited by approximately four million people annually. This phenomenon raises intriguing questions about the relationship between fictional narratives, cultural identity, and the legacy of boxing in Philadelphia, a city known for its rich sports history. The exhibition seeks to engage audiences in discussions about power, memory, and community, themes that resonate deeply within Philadelphia’s cultural tapestry.

As part of the exhibition, a publication edited by Farber will include essays from a mix of voices, including Philadelphia artist Alex Da Corte, film critic Carrie Rickey from the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Malcolm Jenkins, a recent inductee into the Philadelphia Eagles’ Hall of Fame. This publication aims to enrich the context of the exhibition and provide further insights into the interplay between art and the public’s engagement with history.

“Rising Up” is scheduled to run until August 2, 2026, and comes at a time when fans of the Rocky franchise are transitioning from the previous year’s RockyFest celebrations to a broader yearlong event series in 2026. Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, stated that the activities planned for “Rocky 50” will coincide with the release of Sylvester Stallone’s upcoming memoir, The Steps, further intertwining the film’s legacy with the city’s history. A comprehensive calendar detailing the celebrations throughout 2026 will be announced in due course, aiming to highlight pivotal moments in Philadelphia’s cultural and cinematic history as it honors this iconic figure.

The Rocky statue remains not only a tribute to a fictional character but also a symbol of the city’s spirit and resilience, making the forthcoming exhibition a significant event for both art enthusiasts and fans of cinema alike.