The National Portrait Gallery in London will open a landmark exhibition this June celebrating Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday. The show features portraits by artists including Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, and Marlene Dumas, alongside works by over twenty major 20th-century photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, and Eve Arnold. Monroe's personal effects, including books, scripts, and clothing, will also be displayed.
This exhibition matters because it marks the centenary of one of the most iconic figures in popular culture, offering a comprehensive visual biography through the lens of renowned artists and photographers. By combining fine art portraits with personal artifacts, the show provides a nuanced look at Monroe's enduring influence on art and society, reinforcing the National Portrait Gallery's role in presenting cultural history through portraiture.