LOS ANGELES — Fans and cultural institutions around the world are marking the centennial of Marilyn Monroe’s birth with exhibitions, film screenings and gatherings as June 1, 2026, arrives, commemorating the Hollywood icon born on that date in 1926.
Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, rose to become one of the most recognizable figures of 20th-century cinema before her death in 1962 at age 36. Events this week honor her legacy as an actress, model and cultural figure.
In Palm Springs, California, more than 1,000 fans gathered on May 30 dressed as Monroe beneath a giant statue of the actress, setting a new world record for the largest gathering of Monroe lookalikes, organizers said. The event was part of a broader “Marilyn 100: A Centennial Film Celebration” held from May 29 to June 1.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles opened the exhibition “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” on May 31, featuring costumes, photographs, letters, personal items and production documents. The show, which runs through February 2027, examines Monroe’s role as a visionary actor and image-maker within the classical Hollywood studio system.
“We are thrilled to present this comprehensive look at Marilyn Monroe’s enduring impact on film and popular culture,” an Academy Museum spokesperson said in a statement.
In London, the British Film Institute is hosting a Marilyn Monroe film festival from June 1 to July 31, while the National Portrait Gallery opened “Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait” on June 4, displaying photographs by artists including Andy Warhol and Richard Avedon, along with previously unseen images and personal belongings.
Publishers and brands have released centennial collections, including photo books, fashion items and limited-edition merchandise. Immersive exhibitions and events are also taking place in other locations, including Switzerland.
The Marilyn Monroe Estate and Authentic Brands Group have collaborated on year-long tributes, including new artwork series and global events. Fan clubs, such as Marilyn Remembered, organized additional programs in Los Angeles, including a public event at the Los Angeles Public Library on May 29.
As celebrations continue into June, institutions in multiple countries are screening her films and hosting discussions. Details on overall attendance across all events remain unclear at this early stage. Organizers said coordinated activities are expected to extend throughout the year.
