What the Rocky Steps are and where to find them

The Rocky Steps are a set of 72 stone steps located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the eastern entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The steps sit at the bottom of a hill on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, between Spring Garden Street and the museum's main building. They connect the street level to the museum's plaza and are officially called the "Art Museum Steps," but they took on the name "Rocky Steps" after the 1976 film Rocky featured the fictional boxer running up them as part of his training montage.

The steps themselves are a public space, free to visit and open during daylight hours. They are not part of a paid museum tour or ticketed area — you can walk up and down them without entering the museum. The steps have become one of Philadelphia's most recognizable landmarks and one of the most visited filming locations in the city, drawing thousands of visitors each year who want to recreate the famous scene.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rocky Steps are 72 public stone steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art that became famous after the 1976 film Rocky featured them in a training scene.
  • The steps are located at Benjamin Franklin Parkway between Spring Garden Street and the museum's main entrance, and you can visit them without paying for museum admission.
  • The steps are busiest during summer months and on weekends, and the surrounding area includes sidewalks, parking, and nearby restaurants and shops.
  • The steps are maintained by the city and the museum, and climbing them is physically demanding — the full ascent is steep and takes several minutes for most people.
  • Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and be aware that the steps can be crowded and slippery in wet weather.

The history of the steps and their connection to the Rocky film

The Philadelphia Museum of Art was completed in 1928, and the steps were built as part of the original design to provide access from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the museum's main plaza. For decades, they were straightforward a functional part of the museum's architecture and not widely known outside Philadelphia.

In 1976, director John G. Avildsen filmed a training montage for Rocky that showed the main character, boxer Rocky Balboa, running up the steps as part of his preparation for a championship fight. The scene lasted less than a minute in the final film, but it became one of the most iconic moments in cinema. After the film's release and its success at the box office and awards season, the steps became a destination for tourists and fans who wanted to experience the same run.

The steps have remained a major attraction in Philadelphia ever since. In 2006, a bronze statue of Rocky was installed at the base of the steps, though it has been moved several times due to disputes over its placement. The statue now stands near the bottom of the steps and is one of the most photographed objects at the location.

How to reach the Rocky Steps and what to expect when you arrive

The steps are located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. If you are driving, there is paid parking available in nearby lots and on surrounding streets. Public transportation is also an option — the closest SEPTA bus stops are on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the nearest subway station is City Hall, about a 10-minute walk away.

When you arrive, you will see the steps rising steeply from the street level. The steps are wide enough for multiple people to climb side by side, but they can become crowded, especially during peak tourist season from May through September and on weekends year-round. The steps are made of stone and can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good traction if rain is in the forecast.

The full climb to the top takes most people between 3 and 5 minutes, depending on fitness level and pace. The steps are steep and continuous with no landings to rest on until you reach the top, so be prepared for a physical effort. Once you reach the top, you will be at the museum's main plaza, which offers views of Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the surrounding area.

Visiting during different seasons and times of day

The Rocky Steps are accessible year-round, but the experience changes depending on when you visit. During summer months, the steps are crowded with tourists, and the sun can be intense on the exposed stone. Spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds, though weekends are still busy. Winter visits are quieter, but the steps can be icy or snow-covered, making them hazardous.

Early morning visits, before 9 a.m., tend to be less crowded than afternoon or evening hours. If you want to avoid large groups and take photographs without many people in the background, arriving early is your best option. The steps are lit at night, so evening visits are also possible, though the area around the steps is less busy after sunset.

Weather affects the steps significantly. Rain makes the stone slippery, and wind can make the climb feel more difficult. On hot days, bring water and consider climbing early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. The steps offer no shade, so sun protection is important during midday visits.

What is nearby and what to do after climbing the steps

The Philadelphia Museum of Art sits directly at the top of the steps. Admission to the museum costs money, but you do not have to pay to climb the steps or visit the plaza. The museum houses a large collection of art spanning many centuries and cultures, and it is open most days of the week except Mondays.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which runs alongside the steps, is lined with other museums, restaurants, and shops. The Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum, and the Academy of Natural Sciences are all within walking distance. The parkway itself is a tree-lined boulevard with benches and public spaces where you can rest after climbing.

The surrounding neighborhood has restaurants ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining, as well as coffee shops and ice cream stands. Many visitors climb the steps, rest at the top, and then explore the nearby area before heading back down. The steps themselves are the main attraction, but the location offers plenty of other things to see and do.

Photography and recreating the famous scene

Many visitors come to the Rocky Steps specifically to take photographs or film themselves climbing them, recreating the famous scene from the movie. The steps are a public space, and photography is permitted. The best angles for photos are from the street level looking up at the steps, or from the top looking down at the city and parkway below.

If you want to recreate the running scene from the film, be aware that the steps are often crowded, and running on them can be dangerous for yourself and others. Many visitors walk up the steps at a brisk pace instead, which is safer and still captures the spirit of the scene. The bronze Rocky statue at the base of the steps is also a popular photo spot.

The lighting changes throughout the day and across seasons, so the appearance of the steps in photographs varies. Morning light tends to be softer and creates longer shadows, while afternoon light is brighter and more direct. If you are planning a photo visit, consider the time of day and weather conditions that will work best for the images you want to capture.

Practical information for your visit

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip. The steps are steep and continuous, and poor footwear can make the climb uncomfortable or unsafe. Bring water, especially on warm days, since there are no water fountains at the steps themselves. A small backpack or crossbody bag is useful for carrying personal items while keeping your hands free for balance.

The steps have no restrooms, so use facilities nearby before you climb. The area around the steps is generally safe during daylight hours, but like any public space in a city, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. The steps are maintained by the city and the museum, and they are regularly cleaned, though they can accumulate dirt and debris.

If you have mobility issues or physical limitations, climbing the steps may not be possible. The Philadelphia Museum of Art has an elevator entrance on the north side of the building that provides access to the main galleries without climbing the steps. The area around the steps is also accessible by car and public transportation, so you can visit the neighborhood even if you cannot climb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to climb the Rocky Steps?

No. The steps are a public space and are free to visit. You only pay if you choose to enter the Philadelphia Museum of Art at the top. You can climb the steps, take photographs, and return to street level without spending any money.

How long does it take to climb the Rocky Steps?

Most people take between 3 and 5 minutes to reach the top, depending on fitness level and pace. The steps are steep and continuous with no rest areas, so the climb is physically demanding. Walking at a steady pace is safer and more comfortable than running.

Are the Rocky Steps safe to climb?

The steps are generally safe during daylight hours when they are well-lit and busy with other visitors. They can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good traction. Avoid climbing during icy conditions or heavy rain. If you have knee, hip, or heart problems, consult a doctor before attempting the climb.

Can I bring my dog or children to the Rocky Steps?

Yes. Dogs on leashes and children are permitted on the steps. The steps are steep, so supervise young children closely and consider whether they are physically able to make the climb. The area is public and family-friendly during daylight hours.

What is the best time to visit the Rocky Steps to avoid crowds?

Early morning visits before 9 a.m. are typically less crowded than afternoon or evening hours. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Winter months have fewer visitors than summer, though weather can be a factor. If you want to avoid crowds entirely, visiting on a weekday morning in fall or winter is your best option.