ATV drivers take joyride on ‘Rocky Steps’ during storm

A group of all-terrain vehicle drivers took a dangerous joyride down the slush-covered “Rocky” steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art during Sunday’s winter storm.

An NBC10 news crew captured half a dozen ATVs riding down the museum’s 72 stone steps and along the plaza below around 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Some drivers slowly traversed each stair, while others went down at a pretty good clip. Once they reached the plaza in front of Eakins’s Oval, several drivers did donuts using the snow and slush for traction.

During at least one spin, a passenger in a covered ATV hung out the side of the vehicle as the driver spun in circles.

Driving on the museum’s stairs is illegal as is operating ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets. In October, Eman Faki, a 20-year-old college student from Turkey, was charged with reckless endangerment after cell phone video surfaced of his BMW convertible rolling down the steps.

Faki claimed his brakes failed and the convertible began rolling down the stairs on its own. He said he was forced to drive down the stairs to prevent a crash. Police did not agree. That incident caused $8,000 in damage to the stairs. Faki’s case is pending.

Tourists have nicknamed the museum’s stairs, “The Rocky Steps,” after the Oscar-winning film “Rocky.” In the film, Sylvester Stallone runs through the city during a training montage that ends with him running up the steps and throwing his arms in the air. It is one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history.

NBC10 reached out to Philadelphia Police about whether they’re investigating the incident. We’re awaiting a response.