Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon at the Academy Museum Offers an Intimate Look at the Woman Behind the Legend

The famous white halter dress from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, recreated by the film’s original costume designer, William Travilla at the Academy Museum until 2/8/2027 - Popbuff.com — The famous white halter dress from the 1955 film *The Seven Year Itch*, recreated by the film’s original costume designer, **William Travilla**.

On June 3, my son and I visited the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to experience its newest exhibition, “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon.” From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by how beautifully the exhibit was presented. It was a true celebration of one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, thoughtfully curated to showcase not only Marilyn’s glamorous public image but also the woman behind the icon.

Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most photographed people of the 20th century. Her image continues to inspire generations in film, fashion, and popular culture. Interestingly, despite her confidence in still photography, Monroe was famously nervous in front of motion picture cameras. Renowned photographers such as Eve Arnold and Richard Avedon admired her remarkable control and discipline during photo shoots, helping to capture the timeless images that continue to define her legacy today.

A Glamorous Welcome
As I stepped into the Marilyn Monroe exhibit, I was immediately drawn to a vibrant red carpet illuminated by glowing heart-shaped projections that guided visitors toward a striking oversized heart-shaped portrait of Marilyn Monroe. The captivating entrance perfectly set the stage for an exhibit celebrating the glamour, charm, and enduring legacy of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

Marilyn Monroe Hollywood Icon Exhibition at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Runs until 2/28/2027. - Popbuff.com

Adding to the immersive experience, multimedia displays near the entrance featured clips from Monroe’s films accompanied by selections of her songs. Watching Marilyn light up the screen with her signature beauty, charisma, and playful energy instantly transported visitors back to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The thoughtful combination of film and music served as a nostalgic introduction to her extraordinary career.

Discovering the Woman Behind the Legend
Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted by an introductory wall adorned with Marilyn Monroe’s signature and the title, “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon.” More than just an opening display, it serves as an invitation to discover the woman behind the legend.

The exhibit traces Monroe’s transformation from Norma Jeane Mortenson into one of Hollywood’s most celebrated icons, setting a reflective tone for the journey ahead. It reminds visitors that beyond the glamour and fame was a talented and complex individual whose influence continues to resonate decades after her passing.

For international visitors, the exhibit thoughtfully includes a QR code that provides translations in more than 40 languages, making Marilyn’s story accessible to audiences from around the world.

Marilyn’s Carefully Crafted Image
One fascinating aspect explored throughout the exhibition is how Marilyn Monroe meticulously shaped her iconic image.

The exhibit also explores the role beauty and makeup played in shaping Marilyn Monroe’s public image. Determined to refine her appearance early in her career, Monroe worked with Hollywood esthetician Madame Renna to develop techniques that enhanced her features. Her carefully crafted beauty routine, perfected over time with the help of trusted collaborators, became an integral part of the iconic look recognized around the world today.

Among those collaborators was longtime makeup artist and close friend Allan “Whitey” Snyder, who played an important role in perfecting Monroe’s signature appearance. Their professional partnership evolved into a lifelong friendship, and Monroe trusted him so deeply that she asked Snyder to do her funeral makeup if she died before him—a promise he ultimately fulfilled.

The exhibit thoughtfully demonstrates that Marilyn’s legendary beauty was not simply a product of Hollywood glamour but also reflected her dedication, attention to detail, and active involvement in creating the image that continues to captivate audiences decades later.

Rare Glimpses Into Norma Jeane’s Early Years
Among the exhibit pieces that stood out most to me was the 1941 student body panoramic photograph from Ralph Waldo Emerson Junior High School, displayed alongside Marilyn Monroe’s school yearbook.

A marker identifies a young Norma Jeane Baker among her classmates, years before she became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars. Seeing her as an ordinary junior high student through these personal artifacts was both touching and fascinating.

These intimate pieces offer visitors a rare glimpse into Marilyn’s formative years, serving as a poignant reminder that behind the glamour and fame was once a young girl navigating everyday adolescence. They help humanize the legend, making her extraordinary journey all the more remarkable.

Costumes That Defined an Icon
One of the highlights of the exhibit is undoubtedly the stunning collection of Marilyn Monroe’s costumes displayed throughout the galleries. Each piece offers a glimpse into her timeless style and Hollywood glamour, showcasing why she remains one of fashion and film’s most enduring icons.

Adding a touch of circus glamour, this dazzling showgirl costume was worn by Marilyn Monroe at a 1955 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus benefit for the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation at Madison Square Garden.

Also on display are costumes from Some Like It Hot, Marilyn’s director’s chair from Bus Stop (1956), her publicity dress from The Misfits (1961), and even the cowboy boots she wore in The Misfits. Throughout the exhibit, visitors will also find an impressive collection of portraiture, movie posters, and detailed descriptions that provide historical context behind the costumes and artifacts.

These two dresses from 1959 movie **Some Like It Hot** featured strategically placed beading and sequins that created the illusion of nudity when filmed in black and white, showcasing Marilyn Monroe’s signature screen allure.

Designed by legendary costume designer William Travilla, this jade green leotard adorned with shimmering scale-like embellishments and beaded fringe was worn by Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop (1956). Monroe portrayed Chérie, a saloon singer dreaming of making it big in Hollywood, and wore this eye-catching costume during her performance of **That Old Black Magic**.

*From left: Publicity dress (The Misfits, 1961); Monroe’s director’s chair (Bus Stop, 1956); Hyer cowboy boots (The Misfits, 1961)*

One of my personal favorites was the replica of the famous white halter dress from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, recreated by the film’s original costume designer, William Travilla. The dress is forever linked to one of cinema’s most iconic moments, when Marilyn’s character stands over a subway grate and remarks to Tom Ewell, “Ooh, do you feel the breeze from the subway? Isn’t it delicious?” Seeing this celebrated costume up close was a reminder of Marilyn’s playful charm and enduring cultural impact.

One of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic looks, this replica of the white halter dress from **The Seven Year Itch** (1955) was recreated by original costume designer William Travilla. Unlike the original costume, in which Monroe tied the belt to the side, this version features the belt secured at the center.

Another favorite was the elegant gold gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. While simpler in design compared to some of the exhibit’s more elaborate costumes, its understated sophistication perfectly reflected Marilyn’s effortless glamour and timeless beauty.

Marilyn Monroe wore this breathtaking gold gown as Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), the breakthrough role that cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. Designed by William Travilla and fashioned from a single piece of fabric, the dress exemplified Monroe’s glamour and sophistication. Although a more extensive scene featuring the gown was originally filmed, concerns over its revealing neckline led to most of the footage being excluded from the completed film, with only a limited glimpse of the costume appearing on screen.

The Showstopper: The Pink Dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Saving the best for last, the undeniable centerpiece of the exhibit was the iconic pink dress from the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Given its own dedicated room within the exhibition, this legendary costume was truly a showstopper and one of the most anticipated pieces on display. As one of the most recognizable dresses in cinematic history, it beautifully embodies Marilyn Monroe’s enduring influence on fashion and popular culture.

*Displayed in its own dedicated gallery, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pink gown from **Gentlemen Prefer Blondes** (1953) commands attention as the centerpiece of the exhibition.*

One of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic costumes, this pink gown from **Gentlemen Prefer Blondes** (1953) was worn during the unforgettable “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” musical number. Costume designer William Travilla originally envisioned a jeweled black two-piece ensemble layered over a mesh bodysuit. However, after Monroe’s 1949 nude photographs resurfaced during production, the studio requested a redesign. Travilla swiftly created this now-famous pink dress, completing it just before filming began.

My son posed in front of this celebrated piece, and I couldn’t resist recreating Marilyn Monroe’s pose alongside the mannequin—a fun and memorable moment that made our visit even more special. Standing before this iconic gown, it was easy to understand why it remains one of Marilyn Monroe’s most beloved fashion statements and a defining symbol of Hollywood glamour.

Marilyn’s Personal Style
Beyond the dazzling costumes worn on screen, the exhibit also explores Monroe’s personal style. Off camera, she favored simple, comfortable clothing in neutral colors—a stark contrast to the glamorous image the world associated with her. This glimpse into her everyday wardrobe revealed a more relatable side of the Hollywood icon.

*Off-screen, Marilyn Monroe’s fashion choices were modern, simple and comfortable*.

*These jeans, worn by Marilyn Monroe in **River of No Return** (1954), reflect her impact on 1950s fashion, helping popularize denim as a staple in women’s wardrobes.*

A Must-See Exhibition
Of course, there’s so much more to discover throughout “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” than I can possibly share here. I simply wanted to express how blown away I was by this thoughtfully curated tribute to one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.

Whether you’re a lifelong Marilyn Monroe fan or simply appreciate film history, fashion, and classic Hollywood, this exhibition offers a fascinating and intimate look at the woman behind the legend.

“Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” runs through February 28, 2027, at the Rolex Gallery West inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located at 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

Trust me—you won’t want to miss it.