<P> The 72 stone steps before the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have become known as the "Rocky Steps" as a result of the scene from the film Rocky . Tourists often mimic Rocky's famous climb, a metaphor for an underdog or an everyman rising to a challenge . A bronze Rocky statue was briefly situated at the top of the steps for the filming of Rocky III . This statue, now located at the bottom right of the steps, is a popular photo opportunity for visitors . The top of the steps offers a commanding view of Eakins Oval, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Philadelphia City Hall . </P> <P> In 2006, Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone recounted the genesis of the iconic scene: (while filming the 1976 movie) the film crew, bound by a tight budget, identified the steps one night while searching for filming locations around the city . Stallone first thought Rocky should carry his dog Butkus up the steps, but the big bull mastiff proved too heavy for the scene to work . Still, the view from the top of the stairs inspired him to reshoot the scene without the dog . Also in Rocky Balboa, Rocky lifts his dog Punchy when he reaches the top of the steps . The closing credits of Rocky Balboa show a montage of dozens of people running up the steps . </P>

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