Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon

There’s only one Marilyn Monroe. And now, groups visiting the Academy Museum of Motion Picture Arts in Los Angeles can get an unprecedented look at the iconic starlet with the new exhibition, Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, on display May 31, 2026 through February 28, 2027. 

Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon is an exhibition celebrating Marilyn Monroe—born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926—as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining the many facets of how she created and shaped her public image in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system.

The exhibition, which offers unique insight into Monroe’s agency in becoming a Hollywood icon, provides visiting groups the opportunity to admire hundreds of original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters, and rarely seen personal materials—many of which will be on display for the first time. 

The exhibition also features an extensive display of Monroe’s screen-worn costumes, ranging from a dress featured in Love Happy (1949) to items from her final and unfinished film, Something’s Got to Give (1962). Major highlights include two costumes by Orry-Kelly from Some Like it Hot (1959), as well as the rarely exhibited famous pink dress by William Travilla from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).

Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon is curated by Associate Curator Sophia Serrano, with the support of Curatorial Assistant Simran Bhalla.

Learn more at Academy Museum of Motion Picture Arts.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

Photo by Sam Shaw, © Shaw Family Archives, Courtesy of the Academy Museum.