Celebrating a centenary of Marilyn Monroe
Back to ItineriesFew Hollywood stars have left a legacy quite like Marilyn Monroe. More than six decades after her death, the screen icon continues to captivate audiences around the world through art, film, fashion and popular culture. From major exhibitions and special talks to cocktails inspired by her glamour, books celebrating her life and screenings of her classic films, London is currently offering plenty of ways to step into Marilyn's world. Follow our guide to discover the city's best Marilyn Monroe-inspired experiences.
Image: Marilyn Monroe 'Ballerina' sitting, 1954 by Milton H. Greene.
Adult Summer 26 Marilyn Monroe 1946 by andre de dienes.
National Portrait Gallery: Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait
Marking what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery explores the star’s life, career and enduring legacy through iconic photography, artwork and personal artefacts.
The exhibition features works by celebrated artists including Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty and Audrey Flack, alongside photographs by Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, Eve Arnold and many more. Visitors can also view personal items, including scripts and clothing, offering a glimpse of the woman behind the Hollywood legend.
Special Events
The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of talks and events, including:
Raise a Glass at Larry's Bar
Located beneath the National Portrait Gallery, Larry's Bar pays tribute to Marilyn with The Monroe, a cocktail inspired by the screen icon. Featured in the book Cocktails at Larry's, it's the perfect post-exhibition stop for fans looking to toast Marilyn's enduring glamouR.
Browse Marilyn Titles at Hatchards
Britain's oldest bookshop, Hatchards, offers a range of books celebrating Marilyn Monroe, including Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Book and The Marilyn Monroe Century. It's an ideal stop for anyone wanting to delve deeper into her life and legacy.
Marilyn-Inspired Art in Covent Garden
Visit Castle Fine Art near New Row to view original and limited-edition artworks inspired by Marilyn Monroe from artists including Simon Claridge, James Francis Gill and the Edward Weston Collection.
Watch The Misfits at Picturehouse Central
See Marilyn Monroe on the big screen at Picturehouse Central with screenings of The Misfits (1961), her final completed film. Starring alongside Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift and Eli Wallach, Marilyn delivers one of her most acclaimed performances in this poignant Hollywood classic.