To commemorate what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s centennial on June 4, Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills will present a curated lot of 100 items ranging from personal garments to a wooden gate from her Brentwood home. The sale, billed as a “landmark auction,” aims to fetch tens of thousands of dollars per piece, offering collectors a tangible link to the Hollywood legend’s life and enduring myth.
The $30,000‑$50,000 Brentwood Gate Leads the Bidding
The auction’s headline draw is the wooden front gate of Monroe’s Brentwood residence, projected to sell between $30,000 and $50,000. According to the auction house’s preview, the gate symbolizes the private world behind Monroe’s public persona, and its price range underscores the premium collectors place on authentic, location‑based memorabilia.
Jeanne Lanvin Ivory Silk Gown Estimated at $20,000‑$30,000
Among the most coveted garments is Monroe’s signature Jeanne Lanvin ivory silk evening gown from the 1950s, expected to fetch $20,000 to $30,000.. The dress, which helped cement her status as a sex symbol, illustrates how fashion historians view Monroe as a catalyst for post‑war glamour. As executive director Martin Nolan noted, the gown “captures the sparkle that made her a once‑in‑a‑lifetime star.”
Never‑Seen 1954 DiMaggio Honeymoon Photo Priced at $4,000‑$6,000
Julien’s also unveiled a previously unseen 1954 photograph of Monroe with then‑husband Joe DiMaggio taken on their honeymoon,slated for $4,000‑$6,000. The image offers a rare glimpse into a fleeting domestic moment, contrasting sharply with the public drama that later defined their marriage. The auction catalog describes it as “a tender snapshot that humanizes an icon often reduced to myth.”
Haunting 1962 Portrait Highlights Tragic End
A stark, black‑and‑white portrait taken just months before Monroe’s fatal overdose will also be on the block, adding a somber note to the celebration. While the price estimate was not disclosed, the piece is expected to draw intense interest from both art collectors and scholars studying the cultural impact of her tragic death.
Who Will Acquire Monroe’s Personal Scripts and Makeup?
The lot includes original scripts, makeup kits,and handwritten notes, yet the identities of prospective buyers remain unknown. As the auction proceeds, observers will watch for whether private collectors, museums, or celebrity estates step forward, a factor that could shape how Monroe’s legacy is displayed for future generations.
According to Julien’s Auctions, the event not only monetizes memorabilia but also “brings history to life,” reinforcing Monroe’s role as a 20th‑century cultural touchstone. The auction’s timing—coinciding with her 100th birthday—adds a ceremonial layer, inviting fans to reflect on how her image continues to influence fashion, cinema, and popular culture.
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