A photographer’s journey through an American icon

The Rocky Statue:
A Photographic History

From the Spectrum and the 2006 rededication with Sylvester Stallone to Philadelphia filming locations and modern then-and-now studies.

One statue. Five chapters.
More than two decades of photographs.

An original photographic exhibition by Mike Lynaugh.

01 · Rocky

The Rocky Statue: A Photographic History

From the Spectrum to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a photographic record of the Rocky statue through changing locations, seasons and years.

Explore the gallery
The Rocky statue photographed in front of the Philadelphia Spectrum arena in 2005.The original Rocky Statue that was feature in Rocky III stands proudly at the bottom of the iconic Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.The Rocky statue photographed in front of the Philadelphia Spectrum arena in 2005.Rocky Statue — Sunrise at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Skyline. Sylvester Stallone's personal Rocky Statue overlooks the Philadelphia skyline as the morning light begins to illuminate the city.Rocky Statue — Close up detailed view. A close up photo of the Rocky statue photographed in front of the main entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art at the top of the iconic Rocky Steps.Rocky Statue — Rising Up Exhibition. A close-up view of Sylvester Stallone's personal Rocky Statue on display inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the first time ever in the special exhibit "Rising Up".
02 · Rocky

The Rocky Statue Rededication

Sylvester Stallone and Philadelphia gathered on September 8, 2006, as the Rocky statue was rededicated at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Explore the gallery
Sylvester Stallone poses with the Rocky Statue during the rededication of the statue at the base of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Sylvester Stallone enjoys the moment with the Rocky Statue following his speech at the rededication of the statue at the base of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Sylvester Stallone stands proud during the rededication of the Rocky Statue at the base of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Sylvester Stallone arrives at the start of the rededication of the Rocky Statue at the base of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Sylvester Stallone gives a speech during the rededication of the Rocky Statue at the base of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Sylvester Stallone poses with the Rocky Statue during the rededication of the statue at the base of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
03 · Rocky

Rocky Filming Locations

A photographer’s journey through the Philadelphia locations that helped turn the Rocky films into an enduring part of the city’s identity.

Explore the gallery
Rocky Filming Location — Rocky's Apartment. This building was used as Rocky's apartment in the first two installments of the Rocky saga.The building that stood in for Mighty Mick's Boxing Gym in the Rocky saga.The Italian Market in Philadelphia where Rocky ran through this street in the original 1976 Rocky, Rocky II, and was also featured in Rocky V, Rocky Balboa and also Creed.The tombstone for Rocky Balboa's wife Adrian whch was used in the movies Rocky Balboa and Creed.the Adrian's Resturant sign on display upstairs at The Victor Cafe in South Philadelphia.The interior of The Victor Cafe in South Philadelphia. The Victor Cafe doubles as Adrian's Restaurant in Rocky Balboa, Creed and Creed II.
04 · Rocky

Chasing Rocky: Then & Now

Original comparison composites paired with their filming references and modern photographs, revealing how Rocky’s Philadelphia has changed—and endured.

Explore the gallery
Rocky — The Riverfront. A composite photo I put together to show this scene from the original 1976 Rocky and compare it to what it looked like in 2022.Rocky II — Rocky and Butkus. A composite photo I put together to show this scene from Rocky II and compare it to what it looked like in 2022.Rocky II — Rocky in Philadelphia. A composite photo I put together to show this scene from Rocky II and compare it to what it looked like in 2022.Rocky Balboa — Running the Museum Steps. A composite photo I put together to show this scene from Rocky Balboa and compare it to what it looked like in 2022.Rocky III — The Statue, Vertical View. A composite photo I put together to show this scene from Rocky III and compare it to what it looked like in 2022.Rocky II — The Gym Brick Wall. A composite photo I put together to show this scene from Rocky II and compare it to what it looked like in 2022.
05 · Personal History

My Rocky Story

The personal story behind a lifelong connection to Rocky, illustrated with family photographs and memories spanning decades.

Read my Rocky story
Family photograph connected to Mike Lynaugh’s Rocky storyFamily visit to the Rocky statue in PhiladelphiaFamily memory at the Rocky statueRocky statue family tradition in PhiladelphiaFamily photograph from a visit to RockyFamily photograph illustrating a lifelong connection to Rocky