Rocky’s Final Run Up the Art Museum Steps
The Rocky statue has been playing musical chairs between the top, bottom, and inside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s now taking its permanent spot at the top of the Art Museum steps. It’s been 50 years since the first “Rocky” movie debuted, and the statue of the fictional boxer is still a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of pride for Philadelphians. As the statue gets comfortable in its new home, we’re revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and Paul Farber, co-founder of Monument Lab, host of WHYY's The Statue, and the curator of Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments, who explains why people are so fixated on Rocky and why monuments continue to matter in our culture.
This episode originally aired on April 23, 2026.
Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.
Call or text us: 215-259-8170
Instagram: @citycastphilly
Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm
Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why is PGW’s Boss Flying to Florida? Who is Eating Sushi from Wawa? What Happened at the Gubernatorial Debate?
We talk about WHYY’s investigation into Philadelphia Gas Works CEO’s years of free secret trips to Phillies spring training and how that...
What’s Happening for Halloween, Beef Bandits & Preserving Philly Arts
Philly does it big with fall festivals, haunted attractions, and costume contests this time of year. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by contri...
We Are Epicenter of Sports Betting, Tackling Copper Wire Theft & City Council Races
We’re taking a look at how the city is tackling copper wire theft, which darkens recreation centers and parks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined...
Evaluating Mayor Parker on Kensington, Black Bottom on the (Official) Map & HitchBOT Lives
We’re zooming into Kensington and talking about how the Parker administration has been addressing issues in this neighborhood. Plus, Blac...
A Future Philly: Car-Free Streets, a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway & Biking Through Stop Signs
What might be the future of our streets? We’re listening back to conversations we’ve recently had about a bill that would allow cyclists...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Philly
When Philly looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City d...
Why You’re Paying More for Water, Philly Chocolates Inspired by Ghosts & Parallel Parking Showdown
Your water bill is increasing, and here’s why. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz dive into how to read your bill and why...
Your Guide to October 2026 in Philly
Get ready for some seasonal fun because this month is packed with fall festivals, art exhibits — and, of course, haunted adventures. In t...
Eagles Highlights in Trump Deportation Video. Plus: Tailgating Under Threat & Free Dating Advice
We’re talking about why this is an exciting time to be a Philadelphia sports fan (other than the Trump administration’s questionable use...
Best & Worst Places to Pee, Our Philly Bucket List & Can the Academy of Natural Sciences Be Saved?
When you gotta go, you gotta go! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior creative producer Abby Fritz and Santiago Ortiz, founder of No Shor...