It seems like only yesterday that that young woman with platinum blonde hair began captivating audiences, but the truth is that time waits for no one, and a century has already passed since the world met Norma Jeane. This June 1st, global culture has dressed up to celebrate the
Taking advantage of the fact that the anniversary is a milestone, tributes of all kinds have sprung up like mushrooms, seeking to unravel who the person behind the public figure really was. From exhibitions analyzing her role as a voracious reader of Dostoevsky to popular events celebrating her charisma, the legacy of the Californian actress He feels more alive than ever. It's curious how someone who suffered so much to be taken seriously has ended up becoming a symbol of empowerment and an object of study that goes far beyond his legendary films, demonstrating that his immortality is a fact that not even the passage of time has managed to erode.
Spain turns out in support of Marilyn
In our country, we haven't held back when it comes to throwing parties to celebrate this century of history. In Barcelona, specifically at the Els Encants market, a real celebration has taken place with a program that lasts almost the entire month of June and includes everything from conferences on its relationship with fashion to theatrical performances such as "Monroe Must Die" by Ángels LópezIt's a great plan for those who want to see doll collections inspired by her most iconic dresses up close or enjoy a photocall that recreates the famous subway grate scene, something that always triumphs among people looking for the perfect photo for their social media.
On the other hand, Zaragoza has scored a point with an exhibition at the Centro de Historias that will be open until well into September. The exhibition brings together more than one hundred photographs, with particular emphasis on the work of Milton H. Greene in privatewhere a much more relaxed Marilyn is seen, far removed from the suffocating pressure of the Hollywood studios. Furthermore, Aragonese television has joined the celebration by broadcasting films that explore her life, allowing even those staying on their sofas at home to participate in this collective tribute to a woman who, incidentally, had a very special relationship with Chanel No. 5 perfume.
Europe rediscovers women after the myth
Across our borders, London has dressed up for an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery entitled "Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait." Things get serious here, as it features... works by Andy Warhol or Richard Hamilton, who knew how to capture that duality between the pop icon and the profound sadness that sometimes peeked through her eyes. It's a golden opportunity to see how the camera fell in love with her, whether in the most glamorous poses of the 1950s or in the final photos taken on Santa Monica beach, shortly before her light was extinguished forever.
Paris hasn't wanted to be left behind either, and the French Cinematheque has dedicated a space to her, highlighting her courage in founding her own production company in 1954. It's clear the French wanted to emphasize her role as... star pupil of the Actors StudioRemembering that Marilyn was no dumb blonde, but a professional trained by the best who desperately sought roles worthy of her talent. At the same time, the Galerie de L'Instant showcases the work of Sam Shaw, a photographer who was her confidant and friend, offering a much more tender and playful view of the star.
Hollywood and the record of a thousand faces
As expected, a huge stir has erupted in Hollywood. The Academy Museum in Los Angeles has opened an exhibition that includes everything from her original contracts to her own makeup, attempting to explain how she herself... shaped his public image consciously. But if there is one thing that has left everyone speechless, it has been the Guinness World Record achieved in Palm Springs, where more than a thousand people dressed up as the actress in her iconic white dress to toast her memory with martinis, creating a most curious and festive scene.
For those with deeper pockets, Julien's Auctions has organized an auction that includes nearly two hundred personal items, from scripts with handwritten annotations to his favorite lipstick. It's impressive to see how, a hundred years later, any belonging that would touch her skin It continues to fetch astronomical prices, confirming that interest in her private life has not waned in the slightest. Between roses laid at the Chinese Theatre and special screenings of films like "Some Like It Hot," Hollywood has once again surrendered to its absolute sovereign.
The story of this woman, who went from a harsh childhood in orphanages to becoming the most photographed person on the planet, is a tale of overcoming adversity and tragedy that continues to resonate powerfully today. Through all these exhibitions and commemorative events, it is clear that Marilyn Monroe is not just a memory of the past, but a an inexhaustible cultural reference which compels us to reflect on fame, beauty, and human vulnerability. Ultimately, what we celebrate on this centenary is the victory of her talent over the prejudices of her time, ensuring that her Chanel scent and her eternal smile will accompany us for at least another century.