Hollywood commemorates Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday with exhibitions and auction

Hollywood launched a month‑long programme to mark what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday. The Academy Museum opened the exhibit "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon" on May 31, displaying hundreds of original items, including her famous pink dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and will host special screenings of her classic films through February 2027. At the historic Chinese Theatre, fans sang "Happy Birthday" by the hand‑prints and a display of 100 roses and a cake honored the icon.

On June 4, Julien's Auctions in Gardena, California, will auction nearly 200 Monroe memorabilia pieces, such as a never‑published 1962 black‑and‑white photograph, a script with her notes from an unfinished film, unpublished photos, personal recipes and her Elizabeth Arden lipstick. Monroe, born June 1 1926 in Los Angeles, rose to global fame in the 1950s before dying of an overdose at age 36 in 1962.