Proposal Could Bring Joe Frazier Statue to Base of Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps

The 12-foot statue of the boxing legend has stood in South Philadelphia since 2015.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A proposal by Creative Philadelphia aims to relocate the existing 12-foot statue of boxing legend Joe Frazier, known as "Smokin' Joe," from its current location outside Stateside Live in South Philadelphia to the base of the iconic steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This move would come as the original Rocky Balboa statue is set to be relocated inside the museum as part of an exhibit before finding a new home at the top of the steps.

Why it matters

The relocation of the Frazier statue to the prominent location at the base of the museum steps could help elevate recognition and awareness of the boxing great's legacy, which is closely tied to the city of Philadelphia through his training regimen and as an inspiration for the Rocky character.

The details

The proposal to move the Frazier statue comes as the original Rocky statue is set to be relocated from the base of the museum steps, creating a vacancy in a spot known for long lines of tourists waiting to take photos. Creative Philadelphia highlighted Frazier's deep connections to the city, noting that he trained regularly by running through Fairmount Park and up the museum steps - efforts that later served as inspiration for the Rocky character.

  • In April, the Rocky statue will move inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of an exhibit before it eventually finds a new home at the top of the steps.
  • The 12-foot statue of Frazier has stood outside Stateside Live in South Philadelphia since 2015.

The players

Creative Philadelphia

The organization proposing to relocate the Joe Frazier statue to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

Joe Frazier

A Philadelphia boxing legend, also known as "Smokin' Joe," who had a 12-foot statue erected in his honor outside Stateside Live in South Philadelphia in 2015.

Rocky Balboa

The iconic fictional boxer character from the Rocky film series, whose statue is set to be relocated from the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

Sylvester Stallone

The actor who portrayed Rocky Balboa and whose statue will be returned to him after it is relocated from the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's good to give him more acknowledgment because I think he was one of the greatest of his time with Muhammad Ali, giving him a bit more prominent location.”

— Abe Mekonnen, Visitor (6abc.com)

“It's an honor for me to be talking about Rocky here in Philadelphia; it's a dream come true.”

— Matias Gerardi, Visitor (6abc.com)

What’s next

In January, the Philadelphia Art Commission voted to officially move the original Rocky statue to the top of the steps, replacing a version that had been on loan to the city by Sylvester Stallone. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The proposed relocation of the Joe Frazier statue to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps could help elevate recognition and awareness of the boxing legend's legacy, which is deeply intertwined with the city's cultural identity and the iconic Rocky character. This move would also fill the vacancy left by the relocation of the original Rocky statue, maintaining the site's status as a must-see destination for visitors to Philadelphia.