26-Foot Marilyn Monroe Statue Still Causing a Stir Among the Palm Springs Elite (2024)

26-Foot Marilyn Monroe Statue Still Causing a Stir Among the Palm Springs Elite (1)

For the second time, a group of well-heeled Palm Springs residents is fighting to remove the 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe by the late sculptor Seward Johnson that was installed last year on a public site next to the Palm Springs Museum of Art,the Art Newspaper reported Monday.

Forever Marilyndepicts Monroe in the iconic white dress she wore in the 1955 romcomThe Seven Year Itchand, just as in the movie’s most memorable scene, the dress’ hem is lofted upward, as if the actress is perpetually standing over a New York City subway grate.

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Residents are infuriated by the sculpture’s “provocative” nature, specifically the lifted dress that reveals Marilyn’s unmentionables from some angles.

“You come out of the museum and the first thing you … see is a 26-foot-tall Marilyn Monroe with her entire backside and underwear exposed,” Palm Springs Museum of Art’s executive director Louis Grachos said at a city council meeting in 2020, when heopposed the installation. “What message does that send to our young people, our visitors and community to present a statue that objectifies women, is sexually charged and disrespectful?”

Protests besiegedthe installation in 2021 amid calls that the work was “misogyny in the guise of nostalgia,” “derivative, tone deaf,” “in poor taste,” andthe “opposite of anything the museum stands for.”

Now, a once-dismissed lawsuit filed by the activist group CReMa (the Committee to Relocate Marilyn) against the City of Palm Springs has been reopened this month by California’s 4th District Court of Appeals, giving the anti-Marilyn cohort, which includes fashion designer Trina Turk and Modernist design collector Chris Menrad, another chance to force the statue’s removal.

The suit hinges on whether or not Palm Springs has the right to close down the street on which the statue was installed. According to California law, the City has the right to block traffic on public streets for temporary events. Palm Springs planned to bar traffic near the giant Marilyn for three years. CReMa disagrees, and so did theAppellate court.

“These enactments allow cities to temporarily close portions of streets for short-term events like holiday parades, neighborhood street fairs and block parties … proceedings that generally last for hours, days or perhaps as long as a few weeks. They do not vest cities with the expansive power to close public streets—for years on end—so statues or other semi-permanent works of art may be erected in the middle of those streets,” the court’s decision read.

There have even been a few ideas about where the sculpture should go. In a comment on aChange.org petition with 41,953 signatures titledStop the misogynist #MeTooMarilyn statue in Palm Springs, Los Angeles artist Nathan Coutts said “if it must be displayed, move it down the road with the concrete dinosaurs near Cabazon, where it can exist as the campy roadside attraction it excels at being.”

The sculpture was purchased in 2020 by PS Resorts, a City-funded tourist agency that was mandated to increase tourism to Palm Springs. Accordingtothe Art Newspaper, the City Council unanimously voted in 2021 for the statue’s placement near the museum.

26-Foot Marilyn Monroe Statue Still Causing a Stir Among the Palm Springs Elite (2024)

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26-Foot Marilyn Monroe Statue Still Causing a Stir Among the Palm Springs Elite? ›

More Stories by Daniel. For the second time, a group of well-heeled Palm Springs residents is fighting to remove the 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe by the late sculptor Seward Johnson that was installed last year on a public site next to the Palm Springs Museum of Art, the Art Newspaper reported Monday.

Why was the Marilyn Monroe statue removed from Palm Springs? ›

Installed near the Palm Spring Art Museum in 2021, the artwork shows a clear view of the actress's underwear and backside, which caused some residents to call the piece "sexist" and request its removal.

How long will the Marilyn Monroe statue be in Palm Springs? ›

Since its creation, Forever Marilyn had its home in Chicago, Illinois. The artwork was then purchased in 2020 by tourism agency PS Resorts in 2020. Shortly after, the Palm Springs City Council voted to place in front of the city's Art Museum for a period of up to three years.

What is the connection between Marilyn Monroe and Palm Springs? ›

Marilyn Monroe's connection to Palm Springs is legendary. In 1949, at age 22, Marilyn was “discovered” in Palm Springs at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent, Johnny Hyde. Many famous photos of Marilyn were taken around the Racquet Club's swimming pool.

Why is there a statue of Marilyn Monroe in Haugesund? ›

We now pass the city's largest hotel "Hotel Maritim" and if you look down the hill you will see the statue of Marilyn Monroe, the statue was erected because history says that her father originally came from this area.

What is the controversy with the Forever Marilyn statue? ›

Forever Marilyn, which was installed near the Palm Springs Art Museum in 2021, shows a clear view of Monroe's backside and underwear and has been called sexist by critics.

Where is the Marilyn Monroe statue right now? ›

The sculpture was purchased in 2020 by PS Resorts, a City-funded tourist agency that was mandated to increase tourism to Palm Springs. According to the Art Newspaper, the City Council unanimously voted in 2021 for the statue's placement near the museum.

Is anyone buried with Marilyn Monroe? ›

Though interest was high and the auction garnered an incredible winning bid of $4.6 million, the deal ultimately fell through and Richard is still buried atop Marilyn.

How much does it cost to be buried next to Marilyn Monroe? ›

A burial crypt adjacent to the remains of Hugh Hefner and Marilyn Monroe is asking $2 million.

What was Marilyn Monroe's favorite place? ›

1. Hotel Roosevelt. This classic hotel has hosted stars like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable, just to name a few. The hotel was Marilyn Monroe's home in the '50s and she often stayed the suite just above the pool area, which is now known the Tropicana Bar.

What is the most exclusive area of Palm Springs? ›

Andreas Hills is often referred to as the "Bel Air of Palm Springs'' since it's the most exclusive, prestigious, and scenic neighborhood in the desert city. Boasting incredible views of Mount San Jacinto, Andreas Hills has a wide array of homes in different architectural styles.

Why were people so attracted to Marilyn Monroe? ›

Some like her because she was sexy and beautiful; others because she was a funny comedienne. There are people who adore her sensitivity and others who love the way she never stopped trying to make her life more fulfilling.

Where is Marilyn Monroe really buried? ›

Grave stone of Marilyn Monroe at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery,Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, California .

What was found in Marilyn Monroe's room? ›

ollywood, Calif., Aug. 5 -- Marilyn Monroe, one of the most famous stars in Hollywood's history, was found dead early today in the bedroom of her home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. She was 36 years old. Beside the bed was an empty bottle that had contained sleeping pills.

What was found in the ceiling of Marilyn Monroe's house? ›

Mom renovating Marilyn Monroe's final house with Joe DiMaggio makes shocking discovery in ceiling: 'Truly remarkable' Unfortunately, this video is missing or damaged and cannot be played. A mom changing a lightbulb in her historic Hollywood home made a shocking find in her ceiling, and Marilyn Monroe fans are stunned.

Was the Marilyn dress damaged? ›

“The Kardashians” star, who rendered textile conservators and fashion historians “speechless” upon donning the delicate 1962 gown, said Tuesday on NBC News' “Today” that she did not damage the dress when she wore it for “minutes” for the red-carpet portion of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute gala.

Did Ripley's deny any damage to Marilyn Monroe dress? ›

After denying any further damage to the dress, the Ripley's statement added: “Our mission is to both entertain and educate visitors and fans, and sparking conversations like the discourse around Marilyn Monroe's dress does just that.”

Who kept Marilyn Monroe's clothes? ›

After Monroe's death in 1962, Travilla kept the dress locked up with many of the costumes he made for her, to the point the collection was rumored lost. After he died in 1990, the clothes were displayed by his colleague Bill Sarris.

Where is Marilyn Monroe's last house? ›

The house is most famous as the final residence of Marilyn Monroe and the location of her death on August 4, 1962.
...
12305 Fifth Helena Drive
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
General information
Architectural styleHacienda
Location12305 Fifth Helena Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California
7 more rows

Where did Marilyn Monroe live when she died? ›

Marilyn Monroe's last home

Indeed, in the night from 4 to 5 August 1962, the Hollywood actress died at the age of 36 of an overdose, in her Los Angeles home.

Which celebrity is buried next to Marilyn Monroe? ›

The plot next to Marilyn was eventually sold to Playboy owner Hugh Hefner who died in 2017. Hugh Hefner has laid in his final burial spot next to the Hollywood icon for the past 5 years.

Who keeps Marilyn Monroe's money? ›

75 percent of Monroe's intellectual property and estate were left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, and the remaining 25 percent was given to her New York psychiatrist Dr. Marianne Kris.

Was Marilyn Monroe rich when she died? ›

What is Marilyn Monroe's net worth? Celebrity Net Worth estimates Monroe's estate was worth around $800,000 at the time of her death which is around $7.8 million in 2022 adjusting for inflation. During her career, she earned little under $3 million ($24 million by today's economy) from film salary.

What is the most expensive Marilyn Monroe item? ›

Kennedy's 45th birthday celebration was Monroe's last major public appearance. The actress died in August of the same year, and her personal items became coveted by collectors across the world. This slinky number sold for $1,267,500 in New York in 1999, setting the world auction record for an article of clothing.

How much did Hugh Hefner pay to be buried next to Marilyn Monroe? ›

The Los Angeles Times reported that Hefner paid $75,000 to buy the drawer next to Monroe's in a Los Angeles mausoleum, where her crypt is often marked by the lipstick kisses of her fans.

Did Marilyn Monroe have kids? ›

Does Marilyn have any children? No. Although Marilyn was married three times (first to James Dougherty, followed by baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller), she did not have any children before her death in 1962. However, she really wanted to have a family and did have multiple documented pregnancies.

What color was Marilyn Monroe buried in? ›

Buried in a Green Pucci Dress: Marilyn is said to have been buried in the green Pucci dress she wore while in Mexico in February, 1962, shown below. From the book “Marilyn: The Last Months” by Eunice Murray: Eunice visited the house on Fifth Helena one more time before the funeral.

Was Marilyn Monroe Cremated or embalmed? ›

Reporting these incidents to their superiors, the funeral home arranged for six Pinkerton security guards to watch the building, as Marilyn=s body was prepared. A small incision and some careful suturing minimized the swelling in her neck in what otherwise was a routine embalming.

Who holds Marilyn Monroe's estate? ›

75 percent of Monroe's intellectual property and estate were left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, and the remaining 25 percent was given to her New York psychiatrist Dr. Marianne Kris.

Who took care of Marilyn Monroe funeral? ›

Fact: Joe DiMaggio took care of all of Marilyn Monroe's funeral arrangements. Her casket was solid bronze with champagne silk lining. Her makeup was done as previously promised by Allen "Whitney" Snider.

Who are Marilyn Monroe's best friends? ›

Amy Greene, Marilyn Monroe's Closest Friend, Dishes On The Late Star (VIDEO)

What was Marilyn Monroe favorite restaurant? ›

Barney's Beanery

In a vintage story by Route 66 Magazine, Monroe's penchant for Barney's Beanery's chili is revealed. She would often stop in during the filming of the same Some Like it Hot for a comforting bowl of the chili that is still on the menu today.

What hotel did Marilyn Monroe stay in? ›

Marilyn Monroe lived at the Hotel Bel-Air during a decade-long period that included her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, as well as the filming of Some Like It Hot.

Do any celebrities live in Palm Springs? ›

Leonardo DiCaprio became Palm Springs' most famous resident when he purchased Dinah Shore's former home at 432 Hermosa. When he isn't using his Palm Springs residence, the Oscar-winning actor rents the property out. The mid-century modern home includes 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms.

Where do rich people stay in Palm Springs? ›

La Quinta, an area in Greater Palm Springs which predominately features Hacienda- or Spanish-style homes that lack the same architectural allure as older builds in the area, is particularly en vogue with the reality television royalty of today, who seem to be injecting some architectural style into the neighborhood.

Where do celebrities hang out in Palm Springs? ›

The swanky Parker Palm Springs hotel is often a go-to spot for celebs when they come to the desert.

Why was Marilyn considered beautiful? ›

Acting in these iconic films would produce Marilyn Monroe's signature makeup look, which would, without a doubt, have an influence on women's beauty standards. Marilyn had long eyelashes, a long eyeliner-winged-look, volumsciuos red lips, and glowing skin.

What personality type was Marilyn Monroe? ›

As an ISFP, Marilyn tends to be creative, unconventional, and empathetic. Marilyn generally has a strong grasp of their senses and often has very vivid memories.

What is Marilyn Monroe most famous quote? ›

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

Does anyone live in Marilyn Monroe's house? ›

The mansion sold for $2.727 million. It was sold to a young couple who look like Marilyn and Joe themselves. As it turns out, this would be their claim to fame. According to a 2021 Inman article, the house currently belongs to a woman named Jasmine Chiswell and her husband Maverick McNeilly.

What kind of casket was Marilyn Monroe buried in? ›

Monroe was buried in what was known at that time as the "Cadillac of caskets". A hermetically sealing antique-silver-finished 48-ounce (heavy gauge) solid broze "masterpiece" casket lined with champagne-colored satin-silk.

How old is Marilyn Monroe today? ›

Marilyn Monroe would be 96-years-old if she were alive today.

What were Marilyn Monroe's last words? ›

Lawford says that in "slurred" speech Monroe told him she was "tired and would not be coming" to dinner. Then, as her voice became less audible, she told him, "Say goodbye to Pat. Say goodbye to Jack [President Kennedy]. And say goodbye to yourself, because you're a nice guy."

What nationality was Marilyn Monroe? ›

Marilyn Monroe (/ˈmærəlɪn mənˈroʊ/; born Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962) was an American actress, model, and singer.

What was the disappearance of Marilyn Monroe? ›

On the evening of August 4, 1962, Marilyn Monroe, an American actress, died at age 36 of a barbiturate overdose inside her home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. Her body was discovered before dawn the following morning, on August 5.

Did Marilyn Monroe ever live in Palm Springs? ›

The iconic blonde movie star lived here, but never actually owned the place. In fact, most of the 43 places she lived in her lifetime were rented.

What president statue was removed? ›

Teddy Roosevelt statue removed from Natural History museum in NYC. A statue of President Theodore Roosevelt was removed from the front of the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan after it faced criticism for decades over claims it symbolized colonialism and racism.

Who is buried on top of Marilyn Monroe? ›

The "Man with an Eternal Smile?" Joe DiMaggio had purchased two crypts in Westwood Cemetery for he and his famous wife, and while divorcing in 1954 sold his to Richard Poncher. The crypt Poncher bought was located directly above that which would eventually hold the remains of Marilyn Monroe (in 1962).

Who tried to drown Marilyn Monroe? ›

One particularly harrowing scene shows Gladys filling a bathtub with scalding hot water and holding the young Marilyn under the water in an attempt to drown her. No records indicate this actually happened.

Who is Marilyn Monroe's closest living relative? ›

Berniece is the closest relative to Marilyn that is still alive today. Marilyn and Berniece have the same Mother Gladys. A lot of fans are fascinated by Berniece as they wonder if Marilyn would of looked like this had she lived. Mary Kay Smolin McGuire and 358 others like this.

Is anyone living in Marilyn Monroe's house? ›

The mansion sold for $2.727 million. It was sold to a young couple who look like Marilyn and Joe themselves. As it turns out, this would be their claim to fame. According to a 2021 Inman article, the house currently belongs to a woman named Jasmine Chiswell and her husband Maverick McNeilly.

How old was Marilyn Monroe when she died? ›

ollywood, Calif., Aug. 5 -- Marilyn Monroe, one of the most famous stars in Hollywood's history, was found dead early today in the bedroom of her home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. She was 36 years old. Beside the bed was an empty bottle that had contained sleeping pills.

Why did NY remove Teddy Roosevelt statue? ›

The statue had long drawn accusations of racism, and in 2020, the museum requested its removal because of its depiction of subjugation and racial inferiority, and former mayor Bill de Blasio quickly indicated his support.

Did they remove Robert E Lee statue? ›

The massive statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in Richmond, Va., taken down in September, will be moved to the city's Black History Museum, Gov. Ralph Northam and Mayor Levar Stoney announced Thursday.

Why are statues being taken down? ›

The statues misrepresent history, and glorify people who perpetuated slavery, attempted secession from United States, and lost the Civil War. The statues are a painful reminder of past and present institutionalized racism in the United States.

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