Marilyn Monroe statue moves to Palm Springs
Monday, 25 June 2012 9:37 AM
Plam Springs is the city that 'discovered' Monroe (Photo: Allstar)
A statue of Marilyn Monroe striking the famous subway-gate pose has moved from Chicago – where it was badly received by the public – to Palm Springs, California.
Critics in Chicago described the 26 foot tall ‘forever Marilyn’ statue as ‘breathtakingly tacky’ during its 10 month stay in the windy city.
However, the art work – which depicts the actress holding down her billowing white dress, in one of the most iconic publicity shots of all time - is hoping to receive a warmer reception in California, where it will stay for 12 months.
This is especially because Palm Springs is the city which gave birth to the legend; in 1949, Marilyn Monroe was “discovered” at Charlie Farrell’s Racquet Club in Palm Springs by Johnny Hyde from William Morris Agency. After spotting her having photos taken by the poolside, he signed Marilyn to a contract and she soon became a legend.
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism is inviting visitors to "Play Like Marilyn" and experience the old Hollywood glamour of the city; visitors can see the 50s bungalow-style house in the Las Palmas neighbourhood, were Monroe once lived, and hear the secrets and stories of the stars during a Celebrity Tour.
Alternatively, if travellers want to live like the star herself, they can rent the historic Sand Acre Estate and stay in her private tower bedroom with balcony, and shop for vintage 1950s fashion in Palm Springs fashion boutiques.
The statue by American artist Seward Johnson was unvieled in Plam Springs last month, and will be on display until June 2013. The Bureau of Tourism hopes it will bring attention to the glamerous Hollywood connections that the area boasts.
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