Marilyn Monroe memorabilia auction draws thousands on 100th birthday
On June 1, 2026, which marks Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday, Julien's Auctions launched an auction featuring 185 pieces of memorabilia. Among the items are a 1950s evening gown, her lip pomade, and a purse valued at $100,000. The highlight of the auction was a gold-toned minaudiere purse from the 1950s, which garnered a top bid of $70,000. Monroe’s brassiere, once owned by her coach Paula Strasberg, had an estimated value of $1,000 but sold for $7,000. Additionally, the auction showcases personal makeup items and unpublished photographs. The olive-green gates from her Brentwood residence, purchased for $100 in 1962, attracted a bid of $15,000. Fans celebrated by posing by her statue in Palm Springs. Monroe, originally named Norma Jeane Mortenson, passed away in 1962.
Key facts
- Julien's Auctions sale began on Thursday, June 1, 2026, the 100th anniversary of Monroe's birth
- 185 items from Monroe's estate and friends are featured
- 1950s evening purse estimated at $100,000
- Gold-toned minaudiere purse had highest bid of $70,000
- Monroe's 1950s brassiere, inherited by Paula Strasberg, had top bid of $7,000
- Personal make-up products are included and popular on TikTok
- Never-before-published photos by Allan Grant and Milton Greene are in the auction
- Front gates to Monroe's Brentwood home, bought for $100 in 1962, had a bid of $15,000
Entities
Artists
- Marilyn Monroe
- Norma Jeane Mortenson
- Paula Strasberg
- Allan Grant
- Milton Greene
- Arthur Miller
Institutions
- Julien's Auctions
- Heritage Auctions
- Christian Dior
Locations
- United States
- Palm Springs
- California
- Brentwood
- Los Angeles