The Philadelphia Museum of Art has decided to bring the famous Rocky Balboa statue indoors, ending years of tension over the bronze figure's placement and role at the institution.

The statue, which depicts the fictional boxer from the popular film series in his iconic victory pose with arms raised, has been a source of ongoing debate between the museum and the city. The 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture was originally created for the 1982 film "Rocky III" and was donated to the city by actor Sylvester Stallone.

For decades, the statue remained outside the museum, positioned at the bottom of the famous steps that Rocky famously ran up in the films. The museum had previously maintained distance from the statue, viewing it as more of a tourist attraction than a legitimate piece of art worthy of its collection.

The decision to move the statue inside represents a significant shift in the museum's relationship with the popular culture icon. Museum officials have not yet detailed the specific location where the statue will be displayed within the building or provided a timeline for when visitors will be able to view it in its new indoor setting.

The Rocky statue has long been one of Philadelphia's most popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the world who recreate the character's famous sprint up the museum steps. The statue's new indoor placement is expected to continue attracting visitors while potentially integrating it more formally into the museum's artistic offerings.