Philadelphia prepares for a big year in 2026 with major events and developments in the works.
The Philadelphia Art Museum has announced an upcoming exhibition titled “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,” set to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic film Rocky in 2026. This exhibition will explore the cultural significance and mythos surrounding the famous Rocky statue, located at the foot of the museum. The opening is scheduled for April 25, 2026, and will run through August 2, 2026, in the museum’s Dorrance Galleries.
Under the curation of Paul Farber, co-founder of the Monument Lab, the exhibition will feature over 150 works from more than 50 artists. Notable contributors will include Keith Haring, Rashid Johnson, Andy Warhol, Carrie Mae Weems, and Hank Willis Thomas, known for his All Power to All People sculpture which previously stood in Thomas Paine Plaza. The exhibition will also showcase artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Restorative Justice Program, creating a space for dialogue around identity, power, memory, and community.
The exhibition’s centerpiece will be the Rocky Statue by sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg. According to Farber, the display aims to encourage discussions about the multifaceted roles monuments play in contemporary society. The Rocky Statue draws approximately four million visitors annually, underscoring its significance as a symbol not just of fictional triumph but also of Philadelphia’s rich boxing legacy.
This comprehensive exhibition has been in development for over five years and will encompass a diverse array of artistic forms including sculpture, painting, video performances, photography, and participatory experiences. The anticipated publication accompanying the exhibit, edited by Farber, will include essays from prominent local figures such as Philadelphia artist Alex Da Corte and film critic Carrie Rickey.
In conjunction with the artistic exhibition, the Philadelphia Visitor Center has chosen to pivot from the annual RockyFest celebration, opting instead for a yearlong celebration in 2026 that will highlight significant milestones and events related to the film’s legacy. This adjustment comes as the organizers aim to commemorate “Rocky 50” with a broader array of activities throughout the year, coinciding with the release of Sylvester Stallone’s upcoming memoir.
As the anticipation builds for the exhibition and related events, the focus remains on fostering a deeper understanding of the complex narratives that public art and monuments convey in Philadelphia’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. The exhibition promises to be a testimony not only to the city’s artistic vibrancy but also to its unique place in cinematic history.
