Hollywood began commemorating the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth on June 1, 2026, with a series of special events across Los Angeles [1, 2]. Monroe was born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, and rose from an unstable childhood in foster homes to become a global movie star [1, 2].
At the historic Chinese Theatre, Monroe's handprints are displayed alongside those of her co-star Jane Russell from the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Fans plan to sing "Happy Birthday" there, echoing Monroe’s famous serenade to President John F. Kennedy. One hundred roses and a cake will also be placed at the theatre as part of the celebrations [1, 2].
On May 31, 2026, the Academy Museum opened an exhibit titled "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon". The exhibit honors her film career and life, featuring hundreds of original pieces. Highlights include Monroe’s pink dress from Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, rarely put on public display. The exhibit will run through February 2027 [1, 2].
Throughout June 2026, the museum will hold special screenings of Monroe’s films, including The Asphalt Jungle (1950), Niagara (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), Some Like It Hot (1959), and The Misfits (1961) [1, 2].
Julien’s Auctions will conduct a "100 Years of Marilyn" auction on June 4, 2026, offering nearly 200 items of Monroe memorabilia. Auction pieces include unpublished photographs, a script with notes from her last production, the unfinished short film Something’s Got to Give, handwritten recipes, and Monroe’s Elizabeth Arden lipstick [1, 2].
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, Monroe married at 16 and began working in entertainment around 1944, balancing factory work with modeling. She soon divorced, dyed her hair platinum blonde, and went on to found her own production company by age 30 [1, 2]. Monroe died of an overdose in August 1962, aged 36 [1, 2].
The celebrations and museum exhibits will continue through February 2027, with the auction following shortly after the public event kickoff in June [1, 2].
