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A new exhibit opening on what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 86th birthday will take a look at the life and career of the silver screen legend who died 50 years ago this summer.
The Hollywood Museum's "Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit" will include clothing worn on and off-screen by the icon, along with Marilyn’s personal cosmetics, private documents and annotated film scripts, and many other treasures.
More info from the Hollywood Museum about what visitors will have a unique chance to see in person:
On exhibit for the first time ever: Marilyn Monroe’s bedroom dresser, which was next to her bed the night she died. This exhibit also includes original works of art by famed celebrity artists Robert A. Delgado and LUDVIC, original photographs, including the legendary “red velvet” nude photographs shot by Tom Kelly, and a vast photograph collection of her childhood, family and early modeling career when she was still Norma Jeane Baker; and much more.
The exhibit will also offer the opportunity to view never-before-seen photos by world-renowned photographer George Barris, who shot the last pictures of Monroe while collaborating on a book at the time of her death 50 years ago.
Monroe, born June 1, 1926, rose to fame in film and photo, but secured an enduring place in perpetual celebrity when she was found dead in her Brentwood home on August 5, 1962.
The exhibit runs June 1 to September 2, 2012 at The Hollywood Museum.
Here's a more detailed look at some highlights from this special anniversary exhibit:
• Marilyn Monroe’s million dollar honeymoon dress, worn on her honeymoon for her marriage to Joe Di Maggio This was Marilyn’s favorite gown designed by Ceil Chapman, hand beaded in Marilyn’s signature style. Marilyn continued to wear this gown on numerous personal and public occasions including the USO tour to entertain 10,000 troops in Korea in 1954.
• “Red Velvet” photographs by photographer Tom Kelly. Shot in 1949, Marilyn was still a struggling actress, delinquent in her monthly car rental payments and on the brink of having her car repossessed. To earn quick money, Marilyn agreed to pose at a typical “day rate” for what would become this legendary photo shoot.
• Marilyn Monroe’s 1961 Fleetwood Cadillac limousine. Purchased by Darryl Zanuck, past Production Chief at 20th Century Fox Studios, for Marilyn Monroe. This exhibit is complete with chauffer Rudy Kautzsky’s driving cap, Marilyn’s gloves and driver logs of her schedules.
• Max Factor ‘s “Marilyn Monroe” makeup room where he created the famous “Marilyn Monroe blonde” hair, including Marilyn’s makeup case and other personal items on display.
• Vast photograph collection of many never before seen photos of Marilyn’s childhood, family and early modeling career.
• Marilyn’s dress worn in the 1957 film “The Prince and the Show Girl George Barris never before seen photographs of Marilyn Monroe, including from the last photo shoot that Marilyn had before her death
• Movie scripts, personal letters, and movie contracts. Plus: Personal wardrobe items; Furniture and artwork from Marilyn’s Brentwood home; Marilyn’s 1942 University High School Chieftain Yearbook; Prescription bottle and the Decodon found next to her bed at the time of her death; Marilyn’s personal Kodak Brownie camera
