Philadelphia Museum of Art 'Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments (4/25-8/2)'

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has announced a major exhibition titled "Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments," scheduled to open in April 2026. Curated by Paul Farber of Monument Lab, the show will feature over 150 works by more than 50 artists, including Keith Haring, Kara Walker, and Andy Warhol. The exhibition uses the iconic Rocky statue—a fictional character that has become one of the city's most visited landmarks—as a focal point to explore the history, mythology, and evolving role of public monuments from antiquity to the present day.

This exhibition is significant for its attempt to bridge the gap between popular culture and high art, addressing the long-standing debate over the Rocky statue's place in Philadelphia's cultural landscape. By timing the opening to the 50th anniversary of the original film and the 2026 World Cup, the museum aims to engage a broad public audience in critical conversations about memory, identity, and representation in public spaces. It represents a shift toward more inclusive and community-focused curation at one of America's most prominent art institutions.