Marilyn Monroe's personal belongings to go on display

A new exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth will showcase a rare and intimate collection of her personal belongings, offering fans an unprecedented look into the life behind the icon. According to Euronews, the centenary exhibition will feature a wide range of items that reflect both Monroe's public persona and her private world. Among the standout pieces is believed to be one of the final cheques she signed on the day of her death in 1962, tied to furniture purchases for her Los Angeles home. The collection also includes deeply personal artifacts connected to key moments in her life and career, such as memorabilia from her famous 1962 performance at President John F. Kennedy's birthday celebration. Items like a handwritten RSVP card reveal that Monroe personally arranged and paid for guests to attend the event, shedding light on her role behind the scenes. Beyond historic documents, the exhibition will highlight Monroe's influence on fashion and self-image. Visitors will be able to see clothing, including unfinished gowns tailored specifically for her, as well as everyday items that reflect her off-screen life. A mirror from her Brentwood home, where she reportedly studied and refined her look, will also be displayed, emphasising how carefully she crafted her global image. Curators say the exhibition aims to explore the contrast between Monroe's private identity as Norma Jeane and the larger-than-life persona she created. The collection offers insight into her creative process and the intentional way she shaped her stardom. The exhibition is part of a broader set of centenary celebrations honoring Monroe's enduring cultural legacy, which continues to influence film, fashion, and celebrity culture decades after her death.