Los Angeles’ Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has several exciting temporary exhibitions on the calendar for 2026, and if you’re a fan of film history, you’ll want to plan ahead to see Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon.
This in-depth showcase of Marilyn Monroe’s life and career will open on May 31st, 2026 and run through Feb. 28, 2027, giving Angelenos a chance to see some of her most famous costumes up close.
Here’s what we know so far.
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon
Born Norma Jean Mortenson on June 1st, 1926, Monroe was one of the most influential public figures during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon coincides with what would have been her 100th birthday.
The exhibition presents hundreds of artifacts from Monroe’s life and career, including posters, photographs, letters, and belongings that have never been displayed to the public.
A highlight is the famous, rarely exhibited pink dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), which Monroe wore during her unforgettable performance of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” The dress was designed by William Travilla and remains one of the most famous costumes in film history.
The pink dress is part of an extensive display of Monroe’s screen-worn costumes, seen in Love Happy (1949), Some Like it Hot (1959), and her final, unfinished film, Something’s Got to Give (1962).
Visiting the Academy Museum
L.A.’s Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the world’s largest museum dedicated to global cinema and moviemaking. The massive building on Wilshire contains sprawling exhibition spaces and two theaters where visitors can watch a range of films at any given time.
In addition to the upcoming Marilyn Monroe showcase, the museum will present more temporary exhibitions this year including Studio Ghibli’s PONYO starting Feb. 14th and Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA starting Dec. 13th. The Monroe exhibition also coincides with Jaws: The Exhibition, which is now open until July 26th, and Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho, which is open through January 2027.
📍 Location: 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
🌐 Website: AcademyMuseum.org