Just more than a decade ago, architect Frank Gehry proposed a dramatic change to the Rocky Steps

Frank Gehry's Bold Proposal to Alter Rocky Steps Sparks Controversy Nearly a Decade Ago

Architect Frank Gehry had envisioned a dramatic transformation of the iconic Rocky Steps at Philadelphia Art Museum nine years ago. In 2014, his team revealed plans to renovate nearly 90,000 square feet of space inside the museum, which included removing about halfway up the East Terrace steps and installing a massive 24-foot window. This structure would have become the east-facing wall of an expansive new gallery, providing breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline for visitors.

According to Gehry, the initial idea came from board member Mark Rubenstein, and it was just one of many options for the space. Speaking with The Inquirer in 2014, Gehry said, "We're trying to be discreet, and we're still studying this... There are 10 different ways to do it. It's not a done deal by any means." He emphasized that his proposal would have significantly altered the character of the galleries, stating, "It's powerful, because in one simple move it changes the character of the galleries."

Museum leadership supported Gehry's bold plan, but public opinion and fans of the iconic film 'Rocky' were fiercely opposed. A petition to save the Rocky Steps garnered 1,400 signatures, with many expressing their discontent over altering a beloved attraction. One Philadelphia Magazine writer, Dan McQuade, noted that removing the steps would likely deter tourists from running up them, thereby diminishing the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

Gehry's proposal was not part of the museum's 2021 renovations, but his design did leave an indelible mark on the structure. His Core Project included rebuilding the West Terrace and adding the Williams Forum activity space, while uncovering a previously inaccessible 640-foot corridor, the Vaulted Walkway.

In reflecting on his work at the Philadelphia Art Museum, Gehry emphasized the importance of humility in architecture, stating, "I like that you'll pass by and not know Frank Gehry was there." The renowned architect's legacy extends beyond this single proposal, as he also designed iconic structures such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

I'm telling ya, that Rocky Steps renovation idea was a total head-scratcher . I mean, can you imagine Frank Gehry's design in that space? It would've been like, totally overwhelming . The whole point of the museum is to appreciate art and history, not gawk at some massive window wall . And don't even get me started on how it would've changed the vibe of the galleries – totally not what I'd want when I'm there trying to enjoy a exhibit .

And let's be real, 1,400 signatures is like, nothing compared to the number of people who actually care about architecture and design . It's always interesting to see how public opinion can go from zero to hero in an instant . Anyway, I think it's great that Gehry left his mark on the museum without actually altering the iconic steps – that way we can still appreciate the original design while getting a taste of his genius .

I remember when I went to Philly Art Museum with my friends in 2012 , we ran up those Rocky Steps like total noobs , thinking it was gonna be a breeze . But then we realized how tough it actually was , and we were all pumped ! Now, I'm not saying Gehry's proposal was a bad idea, but altering the steps would've changed the vibe of the whole area . I mean, what if they did something similar to the High Line in NYC? Would it still be cool ? I think the museum should just leave Rocky Steps alone and let people enjoy it how it is . It's a piece of history and all that .

aww, poor frank gehry i feel for him, his design was so bold & innovative but it didn't quite sit well with everyone it's like, you can totally understand why people would want to preserve the historic steps, they are iconic after all but at the same time, his idea was super cool & would've added a whole new dimension to the museum gallery i mean, who wouldn't wanna see a 24ft window with views of philly skyline? ️ anyway, gotta respect gehry's humility about it - that's what makes him such an amazing architect

omg u guys I just remembered when I went to philly art museum 5 yrs ago & they were like "hey we're thinking of changing the rocky steps" lol i was like wutttt?! i mean i get it, Gehry's design is iconic but omg u would've lost half the step lol anyway i remember reading about it online & ppl were hella mad about it i think it's still there now tho? idk did they change their minds or what? btw I had a major crush on Mark Rubenstein back in the day

The original Rocky Steps were a part of Philly's identity. Now they just look like a normal museum entrance .

man I'm still salty about what happened with those Rocky Steps . it just goes to show that sometimes progress isnt always pretty or wanted by everyone. I mean Gehry had a vision, but didnt get the thumbs up from the public or even some of the museum staff. and its not like he was trying to come in there and rip out the whole thing, hes talking about making some subtle changes. 10 different ways to do it? that's dedication to his craft right there . anyway, I think its cool how Gehry is all about humility as an architect. that's what makes his work so iconic, he knows when to step back and let the space breathe .

I don't think we should be so harsh on Gehry's idea... He wanted to bring in more natural light and create a new space for art exhibits. It might not have been what everyone expected, but that's kinda the point of architecture, right? Trying out new things and taking risks. The Rocky Steps were already pretty iconic, so it's not like he was gonna change everything to the point where we'd lose the essence of them. And let's be real, those stairs can get pretty crowded in the summer... A bigger space for exhibits wouldn't hurt anyone, right?

Man I'm so done with modern architecture ... like what's wrong with leaving a classic building alone? The Rocky Steps were already iconic before Gehry even thought about messing with them. I mean, who needs a giant window in the middle of the stairs anyway? It just looks so out of place... I remember seeing that movie Rocky all the time when I was a kid and those steps were always the highlight for me . Now it's like they're trying to ruin the nostalgia. And don't even get me started on the petition... 1400 signatures is nothing compared to how many people actually wanted to save those steps .

I gotta say, I'm all for exploring new ideas in architecture, but this plan to alter Rocky Steps seems like a total game-changer . I mean, 90k sqft of space? That's huge! The idea of having a massive window and installing a new gallery just feels like it would change the whole vibe of the museum. But at the same time, it's hard to imagine it working - the steps are such an iconic part of Philly history and culture. I can see why fans of Rocky were so opposed to it .

I love that Gehry is all about humility in architecture, though - that's a great attitude to have when designing something that'll be remembered for years to come. And let's not forget his other amazing projects like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall!

so i dont get why ppl are still upset about it now its been 9 yrs lol like what did u expect to happen? the museum changed direction anyway, and the steps still look pretty cool even with no new window plus think of all the money that was saved not doing any major changes im sure frank gehry wont be too bothered either, he's got a legacy to maintain and btw, it sounds like his humble approach to design is kinda admirable

I'm kinda thinking that altering Rocky Steps would've been a total game-changer for the museum ... but on the other hand, it's probably a huge no-no to mess with something so iconic . Like, what if Gehry's team didn't get the hang of it and it looked straight trash ? But at the same time, 1,400 signatures against it doesn't necessarily mean it was a bad idea... I mean, some people are just old-school and love keeping things exactly as they are . And let's be real, Gehry's got an amazing track record with other projects . So yeah, maybe the Rocky Steps could've been a cool addition or something , but it's hard to say for sure ...

man I remember when I first saw those plans come out back in 2014 what a bold move by Gehry but like totally understandable why people would be opposed to it... I mean who wouldn't want to see the iconic Rocky Steps remaining untouched lol I was reading that petition and it had like 1,400 signatures which is no joke. Dan McQuade's article was so relatable too... like when you're running up those steps and feeling all accomplished but then someone comes along and says "hey, I'll just take these" anyway, I think what really sticks out to me is how Gehry talked about humility in architecture - like, his design did leave a mark but it's not overpowering or dominating. And can we talk about the Vaulted Walkway? 640-foot corridor? that's some serious space

omg can u believe frank gehry is still trying to alter those rocky steps? it feels like he got a bad case of too much power & money lol his design was literally 90k sq ft of renovation but the whole point was to make a statement... instead, he just kinda... stood on it for years and honestly, who needs that massive window when you can just enjoy the views through the original steps? at least the vaulted walkway is cool i guess

[Image of a meme with Frank Gehry holding a megaphone with a speech bubble saying "Who needs Rocky Steps when you have a 24-foot window?" ]

[Frank Gehry's design for the Philadelphia Art Museum with a big X marked through the Rocky Steps ]

[A picture of Rocky running up the stairs with a disappointed expression, looking at the empty space where the steps used to be ]

[Image of Gehry holding a clipboard with a "To-Do" list that says "Revise Proposal... again..." ]

[Frank Gehry's quote from The Inquirer in 2014: "It's powerful, because in one simple move it changes the character of the galleries." ]

idk about this new info on rocky steps lol it's been like 9 years since they even proposed it & now it's being mentioned again... anyway, i think it's kinda cool that Gehry wanted to do something big with the space, but the execution would've changed the vibe of the whole museum. still, removing parts of the steps was a pretty unpopular idea among locals & film fans 1400 signatures against it is no joke. don't get me wrong, i love modern art & Gehry's designs are insane, but sometimes less is more, you know?

I'm still surprised no one stopped him from ruining those iconic steps back in 2014! I mean, I get it, Frank Gehry's a genius, but does that give him carte blanche to mess with Philly's cultural heritage? It seems like a massive overreach to me. And what really gets my goat is how the museum leadership just kinda rolled with it without giving the public a fight. I mean, where was the community outcry back then when they were planning those major renovations? Those Rocky Steps are an integral part of Philly's identity, and altering them would've been a massive mistake. At least now we can appreciate the Vaulted Walkway and the West Terrace, but it's just not the same as running up those original steps.

omg i just saw this thread about frank gehry's rocky steps proposal lol what a wild idea i mean i get why ppl would want to preserve that classic view tho idk if it was worth sparking so much controversy tho what do u guys think would've happened if they went through with the plan?

I mean, can you believe it? They're still talking about that Rocky Steps plan from 2014 . I was like "dude, why not just leave it alone?" Back in my day, we didn't have all these fancy architects coming in and trying to change the vibe of a classic landmark. It's like they were trying to ruin the magic of Rocky . And now they're leaving that big window project out, which was a total game-changer for that museum space . I guess some things just aren't meant to be . Mark my words, if it wasn't for all those signatures and complaints from Rocky fans, we'd probably have some fancy new wing with a view of the Philly skyline now . But hey, at least Gehry's legacy lives on in his other iconic buildings .

omg u guys i still remember when i visited philly art museum like 5 yrs ago i was so inspired by frank gehry's design for the core project it's crazy to think how much that 640ft corridor is now open to the public lol i also feel bad for fans of rocky who were against the original proposal, but at the same time i get why they would want to preserve the iconic steps anyway, i just wanna say that architecture should be all about expression and creativity, not just preserving history like when it comes to design im more of a 'try new things' kinda person