Art Commission Approves Joe Frazier Statue Move to Art Museum

Statue of legendary boxer to be relocated from sports complex to base of Art Museum steps

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Philadelphia's statue of late heavyweight boxing champion 'Smokin'' Joe Frazier will soon be relocated from the South Philadelphia sports complex to the base of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, following a unanimous vote by the Philadelphia Art Commission. The 11-foot bronze monument will take the place of the Rocky statue, which will be moved inside the museum for a temporary exhibition.

Why it matters

The relocation of the Frazier statue to the base of the Art Museum steps is seen as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of a real-life boxing legend alongside the fictional character of Rocky, who has become a cultural icon representing Philadelphia's spirit. The move aims to provide a more balanced and inclusive representation of the city's history and identity.

The details

The projected cost for the Frazier statue relocation is about $150,000 in city funds, and a new base and foundation will be constructed as part of the installation. The Rocky statue will be moved inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an exhibition titled 'Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments' before being installed at the top of the museum's front steps, near its original location from 'Rocky III'.

  • The Philadelphia Art Commission unanimously approved the proposal on Wednesday, February 13, 2026.
  • The Frazier statue relocation is planned for this spring.
  • The 'Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments' exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is scheduled from April 25 to August 2, 2026.

The players

Creative Philadelphia

The city's office of arts and culture, which submitted the proposal to relocate the Frazier statue.

Stephen Layne

The artist who created the 11-foot bronze Frazier statue.

Gabrielle Gibson

One of Joe Frazier's granddaughters, who questioned the placement of the Frazier statue at the base of the Art Museum steps.

Brittini Frisby-Warren

Another of Joe Frazier's granddaughters, who asked whether the Frazier statue could remain in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and a new one be created for the museum.

Valerie V. Gay

The Chief Cultural Officer of Creative Philadelphia, who said discussions were underway to coordinate efforts with the curator of the 'Rising Up' exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“As we celebrate our 250th, visitors will come here seeking authentic stories about Philadelphia. Placing the Joe Frazier statue at the Art Museum allows us to share a more complete story about Philadelphia's spirit, one rooted in real people, real work and real pride in this city.”

— Marguerite Anglin, Public art director for Creative Philadelphia (southphillyreview.com)

“Philadelphia is big enough to celebrate both the real life story of Joe Frazier and the myth of Rocky. In other words, this is not a competition. It's a conversation, and public art can help us have those conversations.”

— Marguerite Anglin, Public art director for Creative Philadelphia (southphillyreview.com)

“During Black History Month, I think we need to understand the new placement. A real boxer and a Black man's image and likeness would be placed at a lower position beneath the fictional white character whose story was inspired by real boxers.”

— Gabrielle Gibson, Joe Frazier's granddaughter (southphillyreview.com)

“He was the authentic, real deal, and that's been the argument all along. Where this piece will now be placed is wonderful. It's ground level, it's the level of all of us here as citizens, and everyone will have immediate access to the piece, and it will be the first piece you come into contact with when you're coming up to the art museum.”

— Stephen Layne, Sculptor of the Frazier statue (CBS News Philadelphia)

“I just have no words. We're so happy with this move. He would constantly say, Philly is my hometown, Philly is where I live, this is where I stay.”

— Pete Lyde, Frazier's son-in-law and CEO of the Smokin' Joe Frazier Championship Foundation (southphillyreview.com)

What’s next

The Smokin' Joe Frazier Championship Foundation is hosting a special event at Stateside Live! on March 8, 2026 from 2 to 5 p.m. to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Frazier retaining his title as heavyweight champion of the world.

The takeaway

The relocation of the Joe Frazier statue to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps represents an opportunity to elevate the legacy of a real-life boxing champion alongside the iconic fictional character of Rocky, providing a more balanced and inclusive representation of the city's history and identity.