Philadelphia's Rocky Steps Face a Major Renovation Proposal from Frank Gehry Decades Ago
A radical plan by renowned architect Frank Gehry to renovate nearly 90,000 square feet of space inside the Philadelphia Art Museum was proposed nine years ago. The initial idea came from board member Mark Rubenstein and involved removing about halfway up the East Terrace steps, installing a 24-foot window that would serve as the east-facing wall of a new gallery, providing a stunning view of the Philadelphia skyline.
Gehry described his proposal as "powerful" in one simple move, changing the character of the galleries. However, museum leadership supported the change, while many members of the public and Rocky enthusiasts strongly opposed altering the iconic attraction. A petition to save the Rocky Steps garnered over 1,400 signatures, with some arguing that removing or modifying the steps would diminish their vibrant atmosphere, which is fueled by tourists running up them whether entering the museum or not.
In the end, Gehry's plan was not implemented during the museum's recent renovation project completed in 2021. However, his design left an indelible mark on the structure. His Core Project, which included rebuilding the West Terrace and adding the Williams Forum activity space, showcased his architectural prowess. Despite this, Gehry remained humble about his work, stating that "you don't need architectural flourishes" to make a lasting impact.
Gehry's legacy extends far beyond his work on the Philadelphia Art Museum. He is widely recognized for designing iconic structures around the world, including the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. A pioneer in using computers to create designs, Gehry was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989, which celebrated his entire body of work.
Born in Toronto and becoming a U.S. citizen in 1950, Gehry spent most of his life in California. His architectural style reflects his keen appreciation for social forces that have shaped outstanding artists throughout history.
A radical plan by renowned architect Frank Gehry to renovate nearly 90,000 square feet of space inside the Philadelphia Art Museum was proposed nine years ago. The initial idea came from board member Mark Rubenstein and involved removing about halfway up the East Terrace steps, installing a 24-foot window that would serve as the east-facing wall of a new gallery, providing a stunning view of the Philadelphia skyline.
Gehry described his proposal as "powerful" in one simple move, changing the character of the galleries. However, museum leadership supported the change, while many members of the public and Rocky enthusiasts strongly opposed altering the iconic attraction. A petition to save the Rocky Steps garnered over 1,400 signatures, with some arguing that removing or modifying the steps would diminish their vibrant atmosphere, which is fueled by tourists running up them whether entering the museum or not.
In the end, Gehry's plan was not implemented during the museum's recent renovation project completed in 2021. However, his design left an indelible mark on the structure. His Core Project, which included rebuilding the West Terrace and adding the Williams Forum activity space, showcased his architectural prowess. Despite this, Gehry remained humble about his work, stating that "you don't need architectural flourishes" to make a lasting impact.
Gehry's legacy extends far beyond his work on the Philadelphia Art Museum. He is widely recognized for designing iconic structures around the world, including the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. A pioneer in using computers to create designs, Gehry was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989, which celebrated his entire body of work.
Born in Toronto and becoming a U.S. citizen in 1950, Gehry spent most of his life in California. His architectural style reflects his keen appreciation for social forces that have shaped outstanding artists throughout history.
it's like, what's next? restoring a vintage car to its original condition or something lol, just kidding, kind of... seriously though, Gehry's idea might've been 'powerful', but do we really need all that drama on those iconic steps? 
and what about the petitions? 1400 signatures isn't nothing! maybe we should give it a shot to save our beloved landmark? 
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. And have you seen his other projects? The Walt Disney Concert Hall, for example, is just incredible 
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. He's all about creating spaces that inspire and uplift people... which is something we could all use a little more of in our lives 
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I mean I get it, Frank Gehry is a legend and all but come on, those Rocky Steps are iconic, don't mess with 'em! The whole idea of removing half the steps just so some fancy gallery can have a view sounds like something from a bad dream. And what's next, gonna build a giant Ferris wheel in Central Park? 
The public reaction was pretty spot on too, 1,400 signatures against it - I guess some people still got soul 
. Guess the museum didn't wanna risk losing all that nostalgic charm.
but I just saw this thread about Frank Gehry's proposed renovation plan for Philly's Rocky Steps and I gotta say, it sounds wild 
I can see why some people would love it and others would hate it. personally, I think it's kinda cool that he wanted to mix things up and add this new gallery thingy. but at the same time, I get why people would want to preserve the original vibe of the steps 
his designs are so unique and inspiring. and I love how humble he is about it all 
. The petition to save the Rocky Steps was pretty telling, with people passionately attached to its original vibe 
. On the other hand, it's not like Gehry wasn't a genius 
...
It would be like something out of a movie! 
And Frank Gehry's design is just wow, I love how he incorporated the window into the gallery space... it's so modern and sleek 
anyway did u no frank gehry won the pritzker architecture prize in 1989? 
Mark Rubenstein, the board member who proposed this radical plan, sounds like a puppet for the museum elite. And what's with the whole 'stunning view of the Philadelphia skyline' thing? It's all just an excuse to push through their agenda 
I mean, who needs computers and software when you've got pure genius like Frank Gehry on your side? 
. It's just another attempt to manipulate public opinion and push through changes that will only benefit the museum's bottom line 
. Wake up, people!
to see the steps and gallery combo? but at the same time, i get why the public was against it - those stairs are literally part of rockys legacy 
his designs are always so unique & innovative. i mean, who else could make a concert hall look like a giant sailboat? 
. The guy has a solid track record of designing iconic spaces and it's cool to see his influence on the Philly Art Museum. Removing or modifying the Rocky Steps could've been a bold move, but I get why people would wanna preserve that energetic vibe 
I had no idea Frank Gehry was still pushing his radical renovation plans for the Rocky Steps 
. The steps are such an iconic part of Philly's culture and history. I'd love to see what kind of amazing views and art installations could be incorporated into a new gallery space 
. Maybe the museum can find a way to make Gehry's vision work without changing the steps themselves? That would be a win-win for both the museum and Rocky fans