She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles. One hundred years later, the world is still infatuated. From London to Paris to New York, the centennial of Marilyn Monroe’s birth has unleashed a torrent of exhibitions, auctions, books, and fashion collaborations that collectively make the case, yet again, for her as one of the defining cultural figures of the modern era. Here, every exhibition, auction, screening, and collaboration rolling out the red carpet for Marilyn’s big 100.

Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles

The Academy Museum’s sweeping exhibition celebrates Monroe as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining the many facets of how she created and shaped her public persona within the classical Hollywood studio system. Presenting hundreds of original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters, and rarely seen personal materials, many of which will be on display for the first time, the show gives unique insight into her agency in becoming a Hollywood icon. Major highlights include two Orry-Kelly costumes from Some Like It Hot and the rarely exhibited pink William Travilla gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Free with museum admission, and open to the public May 31, 2026 until February 28, 2027. 

Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery, London

Opening June 4 and running through September 6, 2026, this major NPG exhibition explores Monroe’s life, career, and enduring legacy through portraits by some of the greatest photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Featuring works by Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Marlene Dumas, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler, and Audrey Flack, alongside photographs by Cecil Beaton, Philippe Halsman, Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, Milton Greene, George Barris, and many others, the exhibition highlights Monroe’s remarkable role as both muse and creative collaborator. The show looks at her collaborative approach to image-making and creative agency: she not only performed, but directed sessions and claimed the right to veto any images she disliked. Personal items including books, scripts, and clothing take you further into her world.

The Marilyn Monroe Century: From Norma Jeane to Icon — A Story in Photographs

Out now, just in time for the birthday, this visual biography draws on never-before-seen photographs and personal diaries to reveal a more intimate portrait of the icon. Featuring rare photographs by Bruno Bernard, also known as Bernard of Hollywood, that have never been publicly released, the book, published by Abrams Books, traces the emotional and artistic evolution of Norma Jeane Mortenson into Marilyn Monroe. Authors Joshua John Miller (Bernard’s grandson) and Mark A. Fortin open Bernard’s archive for the first time, with a foreword by Rose McGowan and commentary from Academy Award-winning director Sean Baker. The lenticular cover, which recreates the legendary subway-grate moment in motion, is reason alone to own it. 

Guess × Marilyn Monroe Capsule Collection

Dropping just in time for June 1st, the Marilyn Monroe Capsule Collection brings together two cultural icons of glamour and timeless style, marking both Monroe’s 100th birthday and the 45th anniversary of GUESS?, Inc. At its core is the revival of the legendary Marilyn 3-zip jean, originally introduced in 1981, updated with modern washes and fits for today’s generation, alongside pieces inspired by Monroe’s iconic halter neck dresses, bustier tops, cropped jackets, and capri pants. The collection is available now through Guess retail stores, online, and select wholesale partners. 

Heritage Auctions: The Marilyn Monroe Collection from the Estate of Norman and Hedda Rosten

On June 1st (her actual birthday!), Heritage Auctions opens bidding on items from the estate of poets Norman and Hedda Rosten, close friends and confidants of Monroe, featuring personal belongings spanning 1955 to 1962. The collection includes handwritten letters, private notes, poetry, watercolors, documents, and personal effects, previously unknown and never before offered at auction, capturing Monroe in her own voice: candid, searching, witty, and vulnerable. Among the standout pieces: a Christian Dior wool skirt suit Monroe famously wore on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio, gifted to Hedda Rosten. 

Marilyn 100 at the Film Forum, New York City

Running May 29 through June 11, Film Forum’s 13-film series charts the full arc of Monroe’s brief but indelible career: the fizzy comic perfection of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, and Monkey Business; gritty noir thrillers Niagara, Clash by Night, and The Asphalt Jungle; Billy Wilder masterworks The Seven Year Itch and Some Like It Hot; and her final completed film, The Misfits. Several screenings feature in-person introductions from authors and film historians. A special 35mm print of Some Like It Hot screens on her birthday, June 1. 

Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs by Sam Shaw

Last but certainly not least, close friend and photographer Sam Shaw offers an intimate look at the woman behind the icon through unseen letters and photographs. In Shaw’s own voice, we learn of their close friendship and get an insider’s view of her rise to stardom, the challenges she faced, and her quest to find artistic authenticity; a rare and candid portrait of Monroe, told by someone who truly knew her. Published last September, the book is available now and makes for essential reading in this centennial year.