Last year, new venue Arches London Bridge opened with Direct From Graceland: Elvis, putting many of the King of Rock and Roll’s personal items on display in the UK for the first time.
As they return home to Memphis, Tennessee, it’s now the turn of another American icon who died young.
Like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe was often defined by the myth around the character Norma Jeane Mortenson created for her showbiz career.
But behind the glitz and glamour of the blonde bombshell was a real woman of flesh and blood who had many highs and lows before her untimely death from a barbiturate overdose at just 32 in 1962.
Now, a new exhibition has opened displaying many of her personal objects alongside some dress replicas, including the Happy Birthday, Mr President gown.
As teased by Marilyn: The Exhibition: “From love letters, satin robes, timeless outfits to vintage shoes and make-up, this meticulously curated collection of 250 extraordinarily personal objects from the exclusive private collection of Ted Stampfer, the world’s largest collection of Marilyn Monroe’s historical objects of this kind, unveils Marilyn as never before.
“Originating from the private estate of Marilyn Monroe, the star’s most personal belongings were locked in storage for almost 40 years before being released to the largest auction houses in the world such as Julien’s in Los Angeles and Christie’s in New York. Marilyn’s belongings were dispersed throughout the world. To see a collection of this size is truly an experience like no other and is not to be missed. Discover the woman behind the bombshell.”
This new attraction is not quite as big or extensive as the Elvis one, but it’s certainly worth a look for the biggest of Marilyn Monroe fans.
Marilyn: The Exhibition is open now at Arches London Bridge and can be booked here.