“The Rise of the Rocky Steps” - PHL Museum of Art on August 7th

A trip up the Rocky Steps is a must-do on a Philadelphia visit, but what makes that so? Here’s your chance to hear the story of how the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art got so famous from the people who made them that way! 

“The Rise of the Rocky Steps” Features ROCKY Sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg, Steadicam Inventor Garrett Brown, Film Office Executive Director Sharon Pinkenson, and “Rocky Stories” Author Michael Vitez.

WHEN:           
Tuesday, August 7, 2018

6:30-8:00 p.m.  “The Rise of the Rocky Steps” including a run up the Rocky Steps and photos at the ROCKY Statue

8:15-9:30 p.m. Screening of “Before Hollywood: Philadelphia and
the Birth of the Movies”

WHERE:         
“The Rise of the Rocky Steps”
Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

“Before Hollywood: Philadelphia and the Birth of the Movies”
Sister Cities Park, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

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In honor of the Parkway’s 100th birthday this year, Greater Philadelphia Film Office Executive Director Sharon Pinkenson and “Rocky Stories” author Michael Vitez will lead a lively conversation with Garrett Brown, inventor of the Steadicam, and artist A. Thomas Schomberg, sculptor of the ROCKY Statue. The free, public event will take place on the Rocky Steps.  A run up the steps with the people who made them famous follows, along with picture-taking at the ROCKY Statue.

After the program at the Rocky Steps, Center City District and History Making Productions will celebrate more of the Parkway’s movie fame by screening “Before Hollywood: Philadelphia and the Birth of the Movies” at Sister Cities Park.  Producer Carrie Rickey and Director Andrew Ferrett will introduce the film, which tells the story of Philadelphia as the cradle of motion pictures and the place where movies literally and metaphorically took their first steps. As the nation's manufacturing capital in the 19th century, Philadelphia was the crossroads where artists, engineers and amateur inventors realized the dream of transforming still images into those that moved. 

Attendees are encouraged to join the events at both locations.  Attendees at both events will receive a free ROCKY-themed puzzle from the Parkway 100 commemorative dot-to-dot coloring book.  Movie snacks will be available for sale at Logan Square Café.  Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets to the movie screening.

For more about this event, check out the event on FaceBook