This article explores the centenary of Marilyn Monroe's birth through the lens of upcoming exhibitions and auctions that aim to reframe her legacy beyond the iconic blonde bombshell image. It highlights how museums and auction houses are presenting Monroe's personal belongings, photographs, and artworks to reveal her intellectual depth, artistic aspirations, and the complexities of her life and career.
These efforts matter because they challenge the reductive Hollywood mythos surrounding Monroe, offering a more nuanced understanding of her as a cultural figure and a subject of art. By examining her through exhibitions and market activity, the article underscores how the art world can reshape public perception of historical icons, blending biography, celebrity, and visual culture in meaningful ways.