What's Happening?
The New York Historical Society will present a new exhibition titled 'Marilyn Monroe Centennial: Photographs by Lawrence Schiller,' opening on November 20, 2026, and running until March 28, 2027. This exhibition commemorates the centennial of Marilyn Monroe's
birth in 1926 and aims to highlight her agency and efforts to control her public image and career. The display will feature 36 photographs by photojournalist Lawrence Schiller, taken on the sets of 'Let’s Make Love' (1960) and her final, unfinished film 'Something’s Got to Give' (1962). The exhibition will juxtapose Monroe's on-camera and off-camera personas, showcasing her media intelligence and her role as a savvy collaborator with photographers. It will also explore her struggles to be recognized as a serious actor, her relationship with acting coaches Lee and Paula Strasberg, and her pioneering efforts to establish her own production company in defiance of the studio system. The exhibition draws from the Historical Society's extensive Time Inc Archive to provide broader context on how Monroe built her career and managed her public perception.
Why It's Important?
This exhibition is significant as it re-evaluates Marilyn Monroe's legacy, moving beyond the common narrative of exploitation to emphasize her resilience, sharp instincts, and active role in shaping her image. By focusing on her agency and power, the New York Historical Society contributes to a more nuanced understanding of one of America's most enduring cultural icons. The exhibition's exploration of Monroe's media intelligence and her efforts to control her narrative offers valuable insights into the early dynamics of celebrity culture and image management, which continue to influence public figures today. Her pioneering move to establish her own production company also highlights her as an early advocate for female empowerment and control within the male-dominated Hollywood studio system. This reinterpretation can inspire contemporary discussions about celebrity, gender, and power in the entertainment industry.
What's Next?
The exhibition will be on view from November 20, 2026, to March 28, 2027, at the Jean Margo Reid Center for Women’s History within the New York Historical Society. Related programs and private group tours will be added to the calendar, offering further opportunities for public engagement and deeper exploration of Monroe's life and legacy. The companion installation will delve into how Monroe's legacy was shaped by the media, including audio clips from her last interview, providing visitors with a comprehensive look at her public and private life. This event is expected to attract a wide audience, including film enthusiasts, historians, and those interested in celebrity culture, potentially sparking renewed interest and academic discussion about Monroe's impact and influence.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate display of photographs, the exhibition delves into the ethical and cultural dimensions of celebrity portrayal and control. Monroe's deliberate actions to manage her image, such as her candid admission about posing nude for a calendar, demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of media manipulation long before the digital age. This foresight in navigating public perception offers a historical parallel to contemporary issues of personal branding and media scrutiny faced by public figures. The exhibition also subtly touches upon the challenges women faced in asserting creative and business control in Hollywood, highlighting a persistent struggle for gender equality in the entertainment industry. By showcasing Monroe's fight against the studio system, the exhibition encourages reflection on the long-term shifts in power dynamics within Hollywood and the ongoing quest for artists to maintain autonomy over their work and image.
