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Today I would like to share several photographs I took back in late winter. It was one of those days that I loved more than my own life. It was cold yet, the sun was out, and the sky was bright blue and practically cloudless. I took all of these photos myself, except for the post title photo I found online and then added the text. I also took these images using my Canon camera, not my cellphone, because I needed a strong zoom lens.

Please enjoy the Philadelphia Museum of Art -

You really get a sense of how grand the structure is by noticing how small the people look...


I love the Greek Revival architecture of this building. It's stunning!



Look at the detail in the architecture...



A view of downtown, via the Philadelphia Museum of Art...


If you're a fan of the film Rocky, you know that the Philadelphia Museum of Art was used in one of the scenes in which Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) climbs the stairs and makes that infamous fist-pumping gesture with his arms in the air...


Therefore whenever fans visit the city, they religiously make time to head over to the museum and take a photograph of themselves (along with their family, friends, and whoever else is with them), standing in front of the Rocky statue, holding their arms in the air. And there is usually quite a crowd waiting in line to snap their photo. Like this...




 So yeah, anytime I need a double espresso shot of testosterone, I head over to the Rocky statue and strike a pose...

Gonna Fly Now!

Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week, everyone! 💗

24 comments:

  1. Those are some gorgeous shots, Ron! That’s funny about people posing for pictures with Rocky. I love the Greek architecture, too. I remember enjoying learning about the different columns in school,but now I don’t remember the names and differences between Doric, Ionic, etc.!

    When you get a chance, google the Cleveland Museum of Art. It’s beautiful inside and out, as well. My son and his wife had their pictures taken on the grounds after we had to cancel their wedding reception in 2020. The photos turned out really well. One irritating thing about Cleveland is that the museums are not downtown, but in the University Circle area (by Case Western Reserve University). Very poor city planning.

    Enjoy your weekend . . . I have a small road trip planned that will involve some Greek columns! Stay tuned! XO

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  2. Wow Ron, these photographs are stupendous! The architecture is truly magnificent. And you're right, you really get a sense of its grander by comparing it to the size of the people! I saw the movie Rocky eons ago and forgot about it being filmed in Philadelphia around the art museum. That movie came out in the 70's, right? And I remember how popular is was. I only saw the first one, not any of the sequels.

    I LOVE the photo of you as Rocky!!! So cute!

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  3. Morning, Candice!

    Thanks! And yes, the movie was released in 1976. I saw it when I was still living in NYC and remember how crowded the theater was because people were eagerly anticipating it. I too only saw the first film. I'm not into sequels. I felt that way about 'The Godfather' too. I only saw the first one.

    Isn't the architecture stunning?

    Have a great rest of your week, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  4. The architecture is fabulous. And your photos show off its beauty and size! I love the scenic view of the beautiful cityscape too. As you say, a perfect winter's day. Funny how "tourists wait in line" to pose as Rocky!!

    For me. I guess the soundtrack is the best thing from the movie. Stallone is NOT an attraction for me.

    Lol
    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  5. Thanks! I forgot I had these photos stored on my computer until I found them in one of the files I had on my computer.

    "I love the Greek architecture, too. I remember enjoying learning about the different columns in school, but now I don’t remember the names and differences between Doric, Ionic, etc.!"

    Isn't it fascinating to learn about architecture? I've always been drawn to various styles of architecture. I can just sit and stare at buildings; noticing all the details in each structure. I once briefly dated a guy who was going to college for architecture. I used to love to watch him at his drafting table as he worked on various projects for school. I've always been fascinated by how buildings are created.

    And OMG, I just googled the Cleveland Museum of Art before I responded to your comment and saw just how BEAUTIFUL it is.

    That's strange that the museums are not downtown, like most cities. However, I googled Case Western Reserve University and saw just how beautiful the campus is!

    Enjoy your road trip this weekend, my friend. I am anxious to see your photos!!!

    X

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  6. Morning, Anni!

    Isn't the architecture fabulously faaaaaaaaaaaaabulous?

    It's been interesting to see how the cityscape of Philadelphia has changed over the years. And you can see that by comparing the photograph from the film to the photograph of what it looks like now.

    I know, people stand out there all day, waiting to strike a Rocky pose. And it doesn't matter if it's raining or snowing, they stand there to get that shot. LOL!

    The soundtrack is great, isn't it? And it's one of those things that stays with you.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying your break. See ya when you get back!

    X

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  7. Always was one of my favorite places in the City and I used to spend hours inside. Total peace and serene.

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  8. I know, isn't it a lovely spot in this city. And I like to visit it various times of the year because it takes on a different "feel" with each season.

    Thanks for stopping by, Rick! Hope all is well for you and that you're enjoying the summer!

    X

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  9. " I loved more than my own life." Ron, I had to laugh at that because I say that myself whenever I really, really, really love something!

    Your photos are fantastic. I love them more than my own life. LOL!!!! Seriously, they're really beautiful. And I like the bright blue sky against the building. it makes the images pop.

    Can you believe that I have never seen, 'Rocky'? Shame on me. But I will now that I know it was filmed in Philadelphia at the art museum. Was the whole movie shot there?

    "... anytime I need a double espresso shot of testosterone, I head over to the Rocky statue and strike a pose." Cracked me up!

    Thanks for the images and the humor, Ron!

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  10. HA! You say that too, Daniel? What a hoot! I love it because it truly expresses the way I feel about certain things. Someone at work heard me say it one day and thought it was terrible because how could I love something MORE than my own life. I just shook my head.

    Thanks. The sky was so beautiful that day, almost cloudless. It was so brightly blue!

    I know people who have not seen the movie, so you're not alone. It was so very popular back in the 70's and became a classic. I've only seen it once and really enjoyed it, even though I'm not at all into boxing. It was the "spirit" of the film that I loved.

    No, not entirely. A good portion of the film was shot in Philly (like all the exteriors), but other parts were shot in LA.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  11. Ron, you crack me up!! You make a good Rocky, my friend!


    Great shots of this beautiful building. You know, that's one thing I miss by living in a smaller town -- the scarcity of interesting museums and such to explore. And they really don't build buildings anymore the way they did this one, huh?


    I love seeing the detail on this museum ... and it looks like you had a beautiful, if chilly, day for exploring. Your shots show you're getting quite comfortable with your Canon, too. Enjoy your weekend and get ready -- next week is supposed to be HOT!! xx

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  12. HA! I couldn't help myself. I found that photo on a free website that I use sometimes called, Face in Hole, and couldn't believe I actually found a template of the Rocky statue in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. So, I upload photo of myself and Viola!...Ron Rocky Balboa. LOL!

    Thanks. I love that building, so I decided to snap a few photos that day. But it's funny because for as long as I've lived here, I've never been inside the museum. I really should visit one day because I hear the exhibits are really well-done. And I think they don't charge any admission fee on Tuesday's. It's FREE!

    OMG, I know. And the heat is already moving in because this week has been more humid and hotter than it's been. Oy vey...I have a feeling this summer is going to be a scorcher.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend!

    X

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  13. Gorgeous photographs, Ron! Such a beautifully, grand building! I love museums. When I was in New York City about 6 years ago, I visited the Met with a friend I went to college with who lives in Queens. Oh my god, it was incredible. We literally spent almost the whole day there. Truly a magical experience. I loved all the different collections they had. My favorites were the Greek and Roman, and the Egyptian exhibitions. Amazing!

    I saw Rocky many years ago and remembered how popular it became. I didn't realize that it had been shot in Philadelphia?! That photo of you is priceless! LOL!

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  14. Thank you, Clair!

    Isn't the Met faaaaaaaaabulous? When I lived in NYC I visit several times. And back then the admission was "pay what you want." However they now charge, I think, $25.00 admission. But it's free for New York State residents and NY, NJ, and CT students. And you're favorite exhibitions were also mine. I freaking love anything to do with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian style art, particularly the ancient art.

    Yup, a lot of the movie was shot in and around the city of Philadelphia. But also LA.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Hope you're enjoying a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  15. Ron, beautiful photos! They look like they came from a professional editorial about the museum. You have a such great eye for snapping the best compositions.

    And speaking of Rocky, about two months ago my husband and I watched the original movie. It's one of his favorites. And believe it or not, mine too. I remember seeing it when it was first release. I was still living in New York at that time. I love the history of making-of-Rocky because it was made on a shoestring budget yet, it ended up being an American classic rags to riches story, for both Rocky Balboa and Sly.

    That photo of you is stellar!

    Hope you had a great weekend, Ron. The heat is rolling in, can you feel it? UGH! xo

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  16. Thanks, Elaine! :)

    And you are so right about that. Rocky will remain an American classic "rags to riches" story for both Balboa AND Stallone, which makes it all the more inspiring!

    I first saw Rocky in NY as well. I was still living there at that time. And I think I saw it in a theater in Greenwich Village.

    And OMG, yes....the summer heat and humidity is rolling in. BLAH! God, I can't wait for Autumn...LOL!

    Have a faaaaaaabulous week, my friend!

    X

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  17. Yes. So glad we got to go when it was pay what you want.

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  18. Meeeee too! I think I used to pay only $5.00 for admission. Oh, those were the days!

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  19. Ron, these photographs ROCK! They just pop off the screen and look so professional. It never ceases to impress me that you're a self-taught photographer who has a nature talent with the camera. When did you're interest in photography begin? I'm curious.

    And as for Rocky, I've seen them all. I am a GIGANTIC fan of Rocky. And it's the "spirit" of the films that always get to me, especially the first film. If we ever come to Philly for a visit, you have got to take us to the museum so that we can take our photograph and climb the stairs like Balboa did. Promise?

    Thanks for sharing, dude. Enjoyed this!

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  20. Matt, thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words. My interest in photography started very early in my life. I was probably around 12-13 years old when my mother gave me my first camera for Christmas. It was a polaroid camera. My mother always sensed my love of photography and cameras, so she encourage me to indulge and learn. I enjoy learning how to go something by investigation and trial and error. I learn best that way.

    OMG...you saw ALL of the Rocky movies? That's incredible. I've only seen the first. It's the same way when it comes to the 'Godfather', I've only seen the first film. And you're right, 'Rocky' was such an inspiring story.

    And yes, you better believe it. If you and your girlfriend ever come to Philly, I will take you there. PROMISE!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Have a most excellent week!

    X

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  21. Hi, Ron. We love the Philadelphia Museum of Art!! It has been a while since we've been there, but since I take extra extra pictures of everything... I can just look back and tour it again from my laptop. haha.
    Absolutely, soooo grand. You really got some great shots of that magnificent architecture! Yes, we've seen Rocky, might have even watched a sequel or two. Not really a fan though...so no desire to do the arms in the air for pictures. And, of course, I'd die if I tried to run up 72 steps. Your pose though, totally fabulous! ;)

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  22. Hi Mary *waving* !

    Isn't the Philadelphia Museum of Art faaaaabulous? I freaking love the architecture style. Sometimes I'll just go there and sit outside on the steps and just stare at the building. I also love the area behind the museum, along the Schuylkill River. My favorite time of the year going there is in the Fall, when the leaves start changing color.

    Not a fan of the film? That's okay, everyone has different tastes in films. I enjoyed the movie, but I've only seen it once. And I've never seen the sequels.

    " And, of course, I'd die if I tried to run up 72 steps."


    HA! OMG...I actually did that once and thought I would die.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you're enjoying a great week!

    X

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  23. As you know, Ron, I attended my last 2 years of college in Philly and can recall visiting the art museum many times. Sadly, it's been many years since I have been back, so I really appreciated and enjoyed your photos. The architecture of these older museums is quite unrivaled in the more modern ones. The final photo was so funny, my friend. Thanks for the laugh today!

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  24. Hey there D!

    Yes, being that you attended Temple University, I know that you must be familiar with the Philadelphia Museum of Art (and surrounding area). Isn't it such a beautiful structure? And you're right, the architecture of the older museums is unrivaled in the more modern ones. I'm always in awe while looking at these magnificent structures and the craftsmanship that went into them.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Have a faaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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