Hundreds of Marilyn Monroe lookalikes to descend on California city for 100th birthday party — as her artifacts go on display in LA

Some like it hot — especially those who like springtime in the California desert.

And in typical Golden State style, Southern California is celebrating its golden girl Marilyn Monroe later this month on what would have been her 100th birthday.

On Saturday, May 30, Palm Springs will host Marilyn 100 at Downtown Park around the famed “Forever Marilyn” statue. Organizers are aiming for a Guinness World Record with 500 Marilyn lookalikes slated to attend, hoping to beat the previous record of 254 people dressed as Marilyn gathered in Australia in 2020.

The public event runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes live music, food vendors, DJs spinning tunes, tasty beverages and special performances.

To participate in “The Great Marilyn Record Attempt,” register for $75 to receive the full Icon Kit, which includes the recognizable white subway dress, platinum-blonde wig, cat-eye sunglasses and martini glass.

The official record attempt takes place between 4:30 pm and 6 pm. Proceeds benefit Palm Springs Pride.

The very next day, on May 31, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles kicks off Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon. The exhibition runs through February 28, 2027 in the museum’s Rolex Gallery and is free with museum admission.

According to the museum website, the exhibit explores Marilyn “as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining the many facets of how she created and shaped her public image in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system.”

It features hundreds of original artifacts — many on display for the first time — including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters and rare personal items.

A highlight of the exhibit is an extensive collection of her screen-worn costumes, from “Love Happy” (1949) to her final unfinished film “Something’s Got to Give” (1962). Standouts include two Orry-Kelly costumes from “Some Like It Hot” (1959) and the famous pink satin dress by William Travilla from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953).

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in the Los Angeles neighborhood Boyle Heights, the woman who would go on to become Marilyn Monroe endured a turbulent childhood in foster homes and a marriage at age 16 to become one of the most recognizable faces of the 20th century and an enduring cultural legend, long after she died in 1962 at the age of 36 from an overdose of sedatives.

From desert glamour and look-alike fun in Palm Springs with a sprinkle of martini madness, to a deep historical dive in Tinseltown, the month of May marks the perfect tribute to one of Hollywood’s greatest leading ladies and pin-ups.

Register for the Palm Springs Marilyn celebration at Greater Palm Springs Pride. Reserve your space for the Academy Museum exhibition through the website.

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