Academy Museum Exhibition Explores Marilyn Monroe's Image Creation

Opening on May 31, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will showcase 'Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon' to celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth. Associate Curator Sophia Serrano notes that the exhibition targets those who recognize Monroe's image but may not know her narrative. It explores the construction of Monroe's public persona during the Hollywood studio system, portraying her as an active creator of her identity rather than merely a victim. This viewpoint challenges ongoing discussions about her legacy, recently sparked by the novel and film 'Blonde.' Monroe's lasting influence was highlighted when Billie Eilish embodied her at the 2021 Met Gala. The exhibition arrives more than sixty years after her passing, aiming to shed light on her agency in the entertainment realm.