Celebrating Marilyn Monroe: A Centenary Reassessment

In 2026, the centenary of Marilyn Monroe's birth is being marked by two significant exhibitions in London, organized by the British Film Institute (BFI) and the National Portrait Gallery (NPG). These events aim to reshape the narrative surrounding Monroe, moving beyond her established image as a mere sex symbol or tragic figure to highlight her as a pioneering creative force in cinema. The BFI's season, titled "Marilyn Monroe: Self-Made Star," will run from June to July, showcasing her filmography through various thematic strands, while the NPG's exhibition, "Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait," will be open from June to September, featuring works by renowned artists and photographers.

Two Major Exhibitions to Show Remarkable Life of Marilyn MonroeThe Guardian

The BFI will screen a selection of Monroe's most celebrated films, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "The Seven Year Itch," and her final completed film, "The Misfits." Lead programmer Kimberley Sheehan emphasized Monroe's multifaceted talent, stating, “She was the original triple threat and deserves much credit for crafting her own image and stardom.” The screenings are designed to encourage audiences to appreciate her range as an actress, from comedic roles to complex dramatic performances.

The Guardian

The NPG's exhibition will delve into Monroe's influence on visual culture, featuring works from artists such as Andy Warhol and Richard Avedon. It aims to explore how Monroe actively shaped her public persona, challenging the narrative that her image was solely imposed by Hollywood. The exhibition will include previously unseen photographs taken shortly before her death, providing a more intimate glimpse into her life.

The Guardian

Both exhibitions represent a corrective approach to Monroe's legacy, emphasizing her agency in constructing her image. Critics argue that Monroe's cultural saturation has often overshadowed her artistic contributions. The exhibitions aim to shift the focus from the mythologized icon to the real performer, showcasing her efforts to break free from the constraints of her image and the studio system. This reassessment highlights her attempts at reinvention, which were often misinterpreted as instability during her career.

The Guardian

Kimberley Sheehan remarked on the importance of revisiting Monroe's films, stating, “When you come back to the films, you see the real human performer.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire to acknowledge Monroe's complexities and contributions to cinema, rather than reducing her to a simplistic narrative of beauty and tragedy.

The Guardian

While the exhibitions aim to provide a comprehensive view of Monroe's life and work, there remains a discrepancy in how her legacy is interpreted. Some sources emphasize her struggles against the studio system, while others focus on her enduring status as a cultural icon. This divergence highlights the ongoing debate about how Monroe should be remembered and celebrated.

The Guardian

• “Marilyn Monroe was quite possibly the biggest star cinema ever saw and will ever see. She was the original triple threat and deserves much credit for crafting her own image and stardom.” — Kimberley Sheehan, BFI Lead Programmer

Two Major Exhibitions to Show Remarkable Life of Marilyn Monroe

• “To many audiences, Monroe is an icon first and a performer second,” — Kimberley Sheehan

The Guardian

• “One of the greatest things she ever did was create the persona of‘Marilyn Monroe’,” — Kimberley Sheehan

The Guardian

As the summer of 2026 approaches, these exhibitions promise to offer a more nuanced understanding of Marilyn Monroe, inviting audiences to engage with her legacy in a way that honors both her image and her artistry.

The Guardian