Celebrating a Century of Marilyn Monroe

A new exhibition will celebrate the life and work of Marilyn Monroe through the portraits that defined her image. The show, opening at the National Portrait Gallery in London, U.K., commemorates what would have been Monroe’s 100th birthday.

Featured Photographers and Iconic Images

The exhibition features work from 20 photographers who captured Monroe’s likeness, including Milton H. Greene, Allan Grant, Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler, and Audrey Flack. Among the highlights is Milton H. Greene’s Marilyn Monroe, Ballerina Sitting, 1954.

Previously Unseen Portraits

Visitors will also have the opportunity to view previously unseen portraits taken by Allan Grant at Monroe’s Brentwood home just one day before her death in August 1962. Grant captured 432 images during that session, with only eight originally published. These photographs reveal Monroe reading an interview transcript and displaying a range of emotions.

Monroe’s Collaborative Spirit

Photographers who worked with Monroe often described her as an exceptional subject. The exhibition emphasizes Monroe’s active role in creating her image, highlighting her collaborative approach and creative agency. She actively participated in directing sessions and reserved the right to veto any images she disliked.

A Lasting Legacy

Victoria Siddall, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, stated, “Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognizable people in modern history: a shorthand for glamour, distilled from the films that she appeared in and the wealth of photographs of her, reinforced by the generations of artists she has inspired. We are proud to be staging this exhibition celebrating Marilyn in her centenary year, exploring her extraordinary life and influence as well as her enduring legacy.”

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will run on the ground floor of the National Portrait Gallery in London from June 4 to September 6, 2026. It promises a comprehensive look at Monroe’s life and the artistry of the photographers who immortalized her.