This year would have been the American actress Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday.
To mark the date, the National Portrait Gallery is holding the exhibition Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait.
The exhibition runs from 4 June to 6 September 2026.
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait brings together iconic images at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
This year would have been the American actress Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday – and the National Portrait Gallery in London is celebrating. To mark the date, the gallery is holding the exhibition Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait. Running from 4 June to 6 September, it covers the life, career and enduring legacy of one of the world’s most beloved stars.
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, Marilyn became one of the most iconic stars of the 20th century. She captivated audiences with her charisma, talent and screen presence. She starred in films including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, The Seven Year Itch, Bus Stop, The Prince and the Showgirl. Plus, the award-winning comedy Some Like It Hot.
Created in partnership with the Marilyn Monroe Estate, Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait brings together an extraordinary collection of works in London. Celebrating Monroe’s creative spirit and her collaborative approach to image-making, the exhibition shines a light on her artistic vision and personal agency, revealing the woman behind the legend.
Marilyn was one of the most photographed and admired people in the world. Discover her earliest pin-up photographs as the young model Norma Jeane, and the poignant final images captured on a Santa Monica beach. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to view a selection of personal belongings, including clothing and scripts.
The artists on show include Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Marlene Dumas, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler and Audrey Flack. The photographers on show include Cecil Beaton, Philippe Halsman, Bernard of Hollywood, André de Dienes, Eve Arnold, Inge Morath, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Milton Greene, Sam Shaw, Richard Avedon and George Barris.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE
When: 4 June to 6 September 2026
Price: From £25
Contact: www.npg.org.uk