Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps
4.7(15K)google
3.0(1)yelp
Scenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhoto SpotCity LandmarkFreeMust-SeeArtFilmHollywood
Overview
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps, globally famous as the 'Rocky Steps,' consist of 72 grand stone steps leading up to the majestic main entrance of the art museum. Immortalized by Sylvester Stallone's triumphant training montage in the iconic 1976 movie 'Rocky,' running up these steps has become a bucket-list ritual for global travelers seeking inspiration. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with one of the most famous panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, effortlessly combining pop culture history with world-class fine art architecture.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TueClosed
WedClosed
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeEarly October foliage is phenomenal for framing the parkway views. Embark up the 72 historic stone stairs (the famous 'Rocky Steps') early between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM; standing atop the grand landing offers an entirely unobstructed vantage point to watch the sunrise wash the center city skyscrapers in gold rays.
Getting ThereShares the exact physical infrastructure with the Rocky Statue grounds at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Take the SEPTA bus Route 32, 38, or 48 straight from center city to the museum steps base plaza. For drivers, follow Kelly Drive around the rear of the mansion to pull into the museum's large paid underground parking deck.
Travel Tips
- The 72 monumental stone slabs are completely open to the public for free; however, hallmark municipal events like the Philadelphia Marathon, Thanksgiving Day Parades, or July 4th concerts trigger total physical perimeter lockdowns of the steps, Eakins Oval, and the entire parkway axis, creating severe vehicular lockouts.
Photo Tips
Best LightTo capture the definitive panoramic view framing the stone steps looking down the long geometric axis toward City Hall, configure cameras past 4:00 PM heading into the blue hour; this solar window positions the light directly behind your camera position, fully front-lighting the distant skyline for crisp architectural depth.
Photo Rules
- Operating civilian drones or unmanned aerial setups anywhere above the steps platform is strictly prohibited by local aviation codes; the airspace forms a critical police and news helicopter low-altitude corridor. Avoid walking backward or jumping blindly for action video shots, as moisture collection along concrete edge lines creates serious fall hazards.
Reviews
Positive
- Standing at the top of the iconic Rocky Steps offers a magnificent sweeping view down Ben Franklin Parkway to City Hall; absolute triumph!
- Completely free; you can mimic the movie and sprint up the 72 stone steps, often with background music playing from street performers.
- The stone steps are grand and wide, serving as a vibrant local hub where people jog, practice yoga, or just lounge in the sun.
- An essential pathway into the museum, seamlessly combining Hollywood pop culture with fine art for an incredibly high-yield photo stop.
Heads up
- The steps are constantly mobbed by tourists posing and running; from midday onward, capturing a clean running shot is nearly impossible.
- Persistent street vendors and buskers hang around, aggressively pushing merchandise or charging for photos, which can feel uncomfortable.
- An entirely exposed outdoor stone space with zero shade; staying out long in the blazing summer sun or biting winter wind is brutal.
- The historical front steps lack ADA ramps; those with mobility devices or heavy strollers must detour to the museum's side entrances.