We saw Marilyn Monroe's most iconic outfits at new London exhibition

Glamourous, poignant, sad, and sexy are four words I’d use to describe London’s new Marilyn Monroe exhibition.

The glitzy exhibition showcases mementos from the star’s personal archives including clothing, letters, photographs, and more.

Found at London Bridge Arches, this is an exhibition for fans of old-school Hollywood and glamour.

The exhibition explores the icon’s transition from Norma Jeane, a model and housewife to Marilyn Monroe - arguably Hollywood’s biggest-ever sex symbol.

The venue is covered with quotes from interviews with the icon, such as “All we demanded was our right to sparkle.”

When you enter the exhibition you are immediately met with a video of some of Marilyn’s most iconic moments on film including scenes from movies and performances.

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One thing that became very clear throughout the exhibition is that Marilyn’s fame far surpassed her on-screen presence.

She became a Hollywood icon, not just because she was beautiful but because she was unique - a sentiment that is very much celebrated within the displays.

The element I enjoyed the most was seeing a collection of Marilyn’s outfits, including a complete replica of her iconic ‘Happy Birthday, Mr President’ dress, infamously brought back into the spotlight by Kim Kardashian at the 2022 Met Gala.

There were dozens of photographs of the star, at press shoots promoting movies, or cruising around Hollywood alongside other famous faces.

There were even items from her houses at the exhibition including kitchen utensils, bathroom tiles, and documents.

But of course, it was the clothes that stole the show, as I believe Miss Marilyn would have wanted. While I was at the exhibition a little girl was there staring wide-eyed at pink satin heels, glittering dresses, and shawls.

There were sketches of Marilyn (as Norma) from her modelling days, which my colleague remarked looked like “an old school Barbie.”

I was especially taken by the Christian Dior stockings she wore during the press promo (I think for Some Like It Hot.)

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I entered the exhibition with little knowledge of the superstar’s life but left feeling conflicted about her tumultuous upbringing, turbulent love life, and ultimately glittering career.

While at face value the exhibition is a sparkling tribute to a Hollywood icon, with nods to her influence on fashion, the movies, and the era, the details within the displays were at times really heart-wrenching.

Parts of Marilyn’s life were undoubtedly sad, I felt real pangs of heartache reading about her short-lived marriage to Joe DiMaggio who wept at her funeral, as well as the conspiracies that surrounded her death.

At 11am on a Thursday, the exhibition had drawn in a decent (and varied) crowd. Men, women, and children all attended the show, further solidifying her impact even in the modern day.

There is an option to take an audio tour that talks you through each of the exhibits, or you can wander around and read at your own pace.

There is also a gift shop selling Marilyn memorabilia including t-shirts, key rings, and mugs.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Arches, and think Marilyn is a perfect example of what London does best - exhibitions.

Just minutes’ walk from London Bridge station and with copious restaurants and places to mooch nearby, I’d highly suggest adding this to your must-visit list this festive season.

Fans of old Hollywood and the stars that shaped the world, won’t want to miss it.