Marilyn Monroe's intimate belongings on display at LA's Academy Museum
On May 31, 2026, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles will unveil 'Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon,' which will be on display until February 28, 2027. This exhibition, curated by Sophia Serrano, showcases a collection of personal artifacts, such as letters, notes, and costumes that have never been publicly shown before. Notable pieces include the iconic pink dress from 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,' a sequined outfit from Madison Square Garden, and Monroe's jeans that contributed to the popularity of women's denim. A restored audio clip of her last interview for Life magazine in 1962 will be featured in the gallery. This exhibition is part of various events celebrating Monroe's centenary, with unique shows planned at the British Film Institute and the National Portrait Gallery in London. Curators have collaborated to ensure distinct presentations. Additional items on display include telegrams exchanged between director Billy Wilder and playwright Arthur Miller, as well as a handwritten letter from Monroe to John Huston in which she declines a role in a film about Sigmund Freud.
Key facts
- Exhibition runs from May 31, 2026 to February 28, 2027 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles
- Curated by Sophia Serrano
- Features never-before-seen personal items including letters, notes, and costumes
- Includes a restored audio recording of Monroe's final interview from 1962 for Life magazine
- Part of multiple Monroe centenary exhibitions, including at British Film Institute and National Portrait Gallery in London
- Highlights include pink dress from 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend', sequined outfit from Madison Square Garden appearance, and Monroe's jeans
- Displays telegrams between Billy Wilder and Arthur Miller about Monroe's behavior on set
- Includes handwritten letter from Monroe to John Huston declining role in a film about Sigmund Freud
Entities
Artists
- Marilyn Monroe
- William Travilla
- John Huston
- Billy Wilder
- Arthur Miller
- Richard Avedon
- Sigmund Freud
- Norma Jeane
- Darryl F. Zanuck
- Orry-Kelly
- Tom Kelley
- Jean Harlow
- Marlene Dietrich
- Beyoncé
- David Bowie
- Mary Pickford
- Bryan Johns
- Sophia Serrano
- Scott Fortner
- Greg Schreiner
- Michael Shaw
Institutions
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- British Film Institute
- National Portrait Gallery London
- Life magazine
- Vogue
- Madison Square Garden
- ICON Collection
- Fox
- Marilyn Monroe Productions
- Screen Actors Guild
- Icon Collection
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
- Bonhams
- Heritage Auctions
- Profiles in History
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York