A QUICK LOOK AT THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM'S MARILYN MONROE COLLECTION

In late spring, 2026, the Hollywood Museum celebrated what would have been Marilyn Monroe's one-hundredth birthday by unveiling a centennial tribute in her honor. The event was attended by several guest speakers, including Morgan Fairchild, Ruta Lee, and George Chakiris, who read deeply personal letters they had previously written to the blonde legend. The museum's president and founder, Donelle Dadigan, was also in attendance to rededicate the Max Factor makeup room that houses garments, film posters, and other memorabilia associated with Marilyn's legacy. To see some of the items in their collection, please check out the following images I was kindly allowed to share.

A selection of Marilyn Monroe's personal cosmetics and beauty artifacts from her visits to the historic Max Factor studio. Framed photos of Marilyn surround these vintage makeup products, which include Max Factor foundations and powders. Also on display is a blonde mannequin bust wearing an elegant necklace, a container filled with pearls, information detailing her makeup routine, and another container with matchbooks and eyeliner pencils.

Marilyn Monroe's personal folding wooden chair that she often used while working at 20th Century Fox studio during the 1950s. Placed on the seat is an open vintage magazine showcasing an article titled 'My Beauty Secrets', along with a glamorous color portrait of the actress.

In front of a film poster for the 1960 musical comedy, 'Let's Make Love', is Marilyn Monroe's elegant white halter gown designed by William Travilla. Even though William designed a very similar gown for Marilyn to wear in the 1955 comedy classic, 'The Seven Year Itch', this particular garment was part of her private collection. The information card at the base notes that he gifted it to her right after they collaborated on their very first film together, the 1952 film noir, 'Don't Bother to Knock'.

Marilyn Monroe's personal vanity case filled with cosmetics, which she later gifted to Susan Strasberg, the daughter of her acting coach, Lee Strasberg. The case is open and contains makeup jars and compacts, while it is surrounded by framed photos of Marilyn and information detailing the sisterly bond shared between her and Susan.

The iconic dress Marilyn Monroe originally wore on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio in 1954. The hand-beaded, form-fitting dark purple dress was designed by her favorite dress designer, Ceil Chapman, and she famously wore it again in the same year to entertain thousands of American troops stationed in Korea, as pictured in the framed photo below.

An assortment of personal prescription medications and artifacts from the final years of Marilyn Monroe's life. On display are vintage prescription bottles and vials from the famous Schwab's Pharmacy on Sunset Boulevard, including prescriptions for Nembutal and Decadron. Behind these containers is a handwritten diet list and a list of her medications, while to one side is a funeral remembrance card.

A collection of photos from Marilyn Monroe's final photo shoot with George Barris in June and July 1962. Displayed among these photos are typed excerpts of her intimate thoughts and reflections titled 'Lies, Lies, Lies', which she shared with the photojournalist during their collaboration.

A vibrant fuchsia Pucci jersey top and black satin pants worn by Marilyn Monroe during her last photo shoot with George Barris at her Hollywood Hills home on Blue Jay Way. A film poster and a promotional photo for the 1959 comedy classic, 'Some Like It Hot', both sit behind it.

The original front page of the 'Los Angeles Times', dated Monday, August 6, 1962, breaking the tragic news of Marilyn Monroe's death.

The Marilyn Monroe exhibition room inside the museum's Max Factor makeup suite. This light-blue space features her folding wooden chair and her personal chaise longue. A number of glass display cases containing costumes and cosmetics are also featured, as well as a wall lined with framed magazine covers and photos.

The Hollywood Museum can be found inside the historic Max Factor Building located at 1660 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, California, USA. The doors are usually open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, and tickets can be purchased at the venue.