Hollywood marks Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday with the opening of the 'Hollywood Icon' exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, running through February 2027 and showcasing hundreds of original pieces, including rare dresses and memorabilia.

The exhibit highlights Monroe’s personal life, including marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller, and how these relationships shaped public perception of her career.

It spotlights Monroe as a pioneer who pushed for self-advocacy in an era of studio control, cofounding her own production company and demanding better pay and creative freedom.

The show also addresses challenges she faced with image and autonomy, including being pigeonholed in the industry.

Cited sources for the piece include Tagesschau and Rolling Stone.

Contemporary peers and admirers described her as both a genius and a figure of ambivalence, with quotes from John Huston, Tom Kelley, Willem de Kooning, and Norman Mailer.

Her memorable quotes underscore a philosophy of embracing imperfection, resilience, and audience empowerment, with lines about imperfection being beautiful and the people making her a star.

The iconic gown shows signs of wear—sweat stains and fabric strain—evidence of its use in production, with designer William Travilla shaping its design after Monroe’s publicized nude calendar photos.

The narrative frames Monroe as a lifelong seeker who balanced star power with artistry, activism, and humanity, always pushing for more.

The gown’s life story includes its evolution from a late-40s presentation to a more durable, movement-friendly version, reflecting improvisation in its creation.

Curator Sophia Serrano notes dual viewing: a front view heightened for Technicolor brightness and a back view revealing a more ordinary light appearance, bridging fantasy and reality for visitors.

The exhibit traces Monroe’s impact beyond film to fashion and design, citing collaborations and homage from major brands and designers, including Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Bob Mackie, and Guess Jeans.