Whether you know her for her pink gown in Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend, her “Happy Birthday, Mr President” serenade to JFK, or who can forget the scene with the subway grate in her white dress, Marilyn Monroe, real name Norma-Jeane, is a Hollywood star who continues to shine. In fact, it was only a few years ago that the latest film depicting her complicated life, Blonde, came out with Ana de Armas portraying the lead role.
It’s clear to see our obsession with this alluring character is still going strong, and this week a new exhibition entitled Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait, will give us access to even more of her life and career. The exhibition runs from 4 June until 6 September, so you’ll have the whole summer to catch it. And if we don’t get the heatwave we’re being promised, it’s a perfect indoor summer activity or an escape from the heat, whichever way the weather turns.
Hosted at The National Portrait Gallery and created in association with the Marilyn Monroe estate, the collection will display portraits of the Hollywood icon created by some of the most renowned photographers and artists in the world. The exhibition will take place this year to celebrate what would have been the star’s 100th birthday.
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait
Admission will get you access to works from notable artists from Andy Warhol and Pauline Boty to Marlene Dumas and James Gill, as well as photographers like Cecil Beaton, Philippe Halsman, Bernard of Hollywood and many more. Londoners will get the chance to see Monroe’s talent for creating beautiful, collaborative imagery up close.
data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQE_JH8CNBV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
Pictures of the Some Like It Hot actress are some of the most famous images in the world, and this collection will span most of Monroe’s life, from her days as a young model to her final photographs taken in Malibu in 1962.
You’ll also get the chance to take a peek at personal possessions like books, scripts and clothes she wore over the span of her Hollywood career.
Tickets are now on sale and range from £25-£27, or slightly more with a donation, and it is free for members.
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait will run at The National Portrait Gallery from 4 June until 6 September.