The New York Historical will open Marilyn Monroe Centennial: Photographs by Lawrence Schiller on Nov. 20, marking 100 years since the actress was born in 1926. The exhibition runs through March 28, 2027, in the Jean Margo Reid Center for Women’s History. It looks at Monroe’s career and her lesser-known efforts to take control of her legacy.
The exhibition pairs Monroe’s on-camera and off-camera personas through 36 photographs by photojournalist Lawrence Schiller. He took them on the sets of “Let’s Make Love” in 1960 and Monroe’s last, unfinished film, “Something’s Got to Give,” in 1962. Schiller was on assignment in Los Angeles for Look and Paris Match magazines at the time.
Among the images are photographs from the “Something’s Got to Give” pool scene, in which Monroe decided on a closed set to remove the bikini bottoms she had been given. Those images appeared on magazine covers in more than 30 countries, including Life. Other photographs touch on her struggle to be recognized as a serious actor, her relationship with acting coaches Lee and Paula Strasberg, and her attempt to become one of the first women in Hollywood to start her own production company.
“Marilyn had shown me what other photographers who had shot her knew,” Schiller said, “that when she turned herself on to the camera, the photographer didn’t have to be more than a mechanic; it was almost as if she were both the shooter and the subject.” Schiller also saw Monroe on the morning of Aug. 4, 1962, the day she died at age 36. The commemorative issue of Life published after her death, with one of his photographs on the cover, is on view.
Ephemera and print magazines from the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library trace her path from modeling through key film roles, including her Golden Globe win for “Some Like It Hot.” Film clips, a “Let’s Make Love” contact sheet marked with Monroe’s final approval, and the Niagara publicity photo that inspired Andy Warhol’s “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” are also on display. The exhibition includes photographs of Monroe in New York City and the invitation and program from the 1962 Madison Square Garden fundraiser where she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy.
A companion installation looks at how Life shaped Monroe’s public image, drawing on the Time Inc. Archive. Visitors can hear audio clips from the last interview she gave, recorded with Richard Meryman two days before her death, in which she discussed her life, marriages, career, and experience of fame.
“While it’s true that Marilyn Monroe experienced great adversity and exploitation in her time, she also displayed remarkable resilience, sharp instincts, and physical mastery to ensure the camera captured her to her best advantage,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of The New York Historical.
An opening reception will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
••••• Message Center••••
Follow us on social media: Facebook • Instagram • Threads • X • Bluesky • Tiktok • Reddit
Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats