Marilyn Monroe at 100: Celebrating the Life, Legacy and Enduring Star Power of a Hollywood Icon

Marilyn has been being celebrated for turning 100 years old posthumously on June 1st! Fans around the world have been celebrating one of the most idolized, beautiful, talented and mysterious celebrities of the 20th century. There have been exhibitions around the globe for Marilyn with photographs, clothing and many personal items. In Paris, the La Cinematheque featured a wonderful exhibit of Marilyn. New York City had an intimate exhibit of Marilyn’s life at Genesis House. London’s National Portrait Gallery honored Marilyn and in Hollywood, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, displays costumes from Marilyn’s many films among rare artifacts from her personal life and that will be on display until February 2027. Info for visiting the museum. All of these exhibits have given us more insight into the legacy of the actress Marilyn Monroe and the real person underneath, Norma Jean, if you will.

A Hollywood Pilgrimage

I made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles recently to see the exhibition by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. In Hollywood, signs of the exhibition for Marilyn were everywhere. Arriving, we walked in on a red carpet; posters for Marilyn’s movies adorned the walls, “How to Marry A Millionaire”, “Niagara” and “Some Like It Hot” just to name a few. You can hear Marilyn’s voice giving an interview and many artifacts from both her business and personal life. Amazing famous costumes from her movies that have been preserved beautifully, including the most famous dress of all, from 1953’s “Gentleman Prefer Blondes.” The shocking pink dress from the musical number of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” was eventually auctioned as the “most important film costume” at the time for $370,000.00 in 2010. You could almost imagine Marilyn standing there instead of a mannequin. It is the crème de la crème moment for the most diehard movie and Marilyn fan of the exhibition!

Memorials to Marilyn

Another memorial is visiting Marilyn’s final resting place at Westwood Village Memorial Park. Thousands of MM fans have been here to see where Marilyn is laid to rest. On this day, there were flowers in her vase and someone had put a diamond bracelet around the vase. There is a marble bench that was purchased by fans where you can sit near Marilyn’s crypt. The mausoleum to the left of Marilyn’s belongs to Hugh Hefner. Leaving Westwood, we headed to Hollywood Blvd. where more memorials of Marilyn pay tribute to our heroine. You can find Marilyn’s star on the Walk of Fame at 6774 Hollywood Blvd. At the TCL Chinese Theatre at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, you will find Marilyn’s hand & foot prints that she and Jane Russell appeared during the filming of “Gentleman Prefer Blondes.” The theatre offers tours, info here. You can take a drive to check out her home in Brentwood at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, although it is difficult to get a look over the high walls.

An Enduring Star

Marilyn’s rags to riches life story touches people in very emotional ways. Being raised by a mother with mental health issues, being placed in foster care and getting married young. Norma Jean had a difficult early life but she loved the movies. She had her dreams of being in the movies and she made it happen. Her story is a truly American story. We don’t know what else Marilyn could have brought to the screen had she lived. She certainly could not have imagined that she would still be loved by so many fans decades later. Yes, your star still burns so bright, Norma Jean…..