Julien's Auctions held a sale of 185 personal items belonging to Marilyn Monroe on Thursday to mark her 100th birthday [1].
The event celebrates the cultural legacy of one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. By offering a mix of high-fashion gowns and intimate personal effects, the auction aims to reveal the human side of the star beyond her public glamour [6].
The collection includes a wide array of memorabilia such as clothing, makeup, jewelry, photographs, and letters [2]. Among the most notable items is the front gate of Monroe's Brentwood home [4]. That residence was listed as a Historic-Cultural Monument in 2024 [3].
Collectors also bid on more intimate artifacts, including an eight-page love letter [4]. Bids for various items in the collection have already reached thousands of dollars [2].
The auction serves as a centennial tribute to Monroe, whose birth date is June 1, 2026 [4]. The diverse nature of the items, ranging from the lipstick she used to the gowns she wore, provides a comprehensive look at her life and style [2].
“An auction of 185 personal items marks the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe.”
The sale of these artifacts underscores the enduring commercial and cultural value of Monroe's image a century after her birth. By auctioning items like the gate of her home and personal correspondence, the event transforms private history into public commodities, reinforcing her status as a permanent fixture of global pop culture.
