Rocky returns: Iconic Philadelphia statue back open to public

PHILADELPHIA -- You can't keep Rocky down for long - that goes for the boxer and the statue.

The iconic statue, one of Philadelphia's biggest tourist attractions, is once again back open for visitors.

"Rocky is back in business! The statue at @philamuseum reopened today," the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department tweeted Wednesday.

Back on May 30, the immediate area surrounding the Rocky statue located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, to the right of the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, was closed to the public for two weeks so that site improvements could be made.

During that time, residents and visitors were not be able to access the statue for photographs.

Running up the 72 steps to the top of the Art Museum is part of the tradition ever since Sylvester Stallone did so in his iconic 1976 movie, 'Rocky,' a film about an underdog boxer - and the six sequels - with so many powerful messages that have left their mark on so many.

On the same day the statue reopened, the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia 76ers held a workout on the steps.

RELATED VIDEO: Art Museum surprise! Selfies with Sylvester Stallone atop 'Rocky' steps

The bronze Rocky statue, commissioned by Stallone himself, was originally placed atop the Art Museum steps, but it has been moved several times over the years because officials thought it was not art.

RELATED VIDEO: 'Rocky' celebrates 40 years as a Philadelphia icon

It was once moved to the steps outside the former Spectrum sports arena.

It eventually made its way back to the Art Museum, but this time on a corner in front of the museum.

RELATED VIDEO: Sylvester Stallone returns for 'Creed Day' in Philadelphia

But then in April, the statue and steps were inaccessible to fans during the month-long set up and take down for the NFL Draft.

Now, after a few weeks on the sidelines yet again, Rocky is back!

Get your cameras ready.

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