There can hardly be a more recognisable face in the history of photography than Marilyn Monroe. More than 60 years after her death, her image remains instantly familiar – the blonde hair, red lips, glamorous poses and unmistakable combination of innocence and sexuality.

To mark what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, the National Portrait Gallery has brought together a fascinating collection of photographs, artworks and personal material celebrating her life and enduring status as a cultural icon.

I recently visited Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait for Vale Life Magazine and found it particularly impressive for the sheer amount of photography on display.

The exhibition takes you through Marilyn’s life and career, from her early days as Norma Jeane Baker through her transformation into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars and the poignant images taken shortly before her death in 1962.

There are photographs by many of the great photographers of the 20th century, including Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, Eve Arnold, Milton Greene, Sam Shaw and Philippe Halsman. Some are instantly recognisable, while others are much less familiar. The exhibition also shows Marilyn with people who played important parts in her life, including baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller.

What makes it particularly interesting is the way it explores the relationships Marilyn developed with some of the photographers who photographed her repeatedly. Eve Arnold, Milton Greene and Sam Shaw, among others, came to know her well, producing photographs that reveal rather more than the carefully constructed Hollywood publicity image.

There are some wonderfully playful photographs too. A series by Philippe Halsman shows Marilyn jumping in the air in a variety of dresses. She was apparently reluctant to begin with, but once persuaded, threw herself into the idea, revealing the mischievous, energetic and highly performative side of her personality.

I particularly enjoyed the informative material accompanying the photographs. The captions explain who took each image, when and where it was taken and, where relevant, something about what Marilyn was doing at the time or her relationship with the photographer. It means you don’t simply look at a succession of beautiful photographs – you gradually build up a picture of the woman behind them.

There are paintings and other works too, including interpretations by artists such as Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning and Pauline Boty, along with film material and personal objects. Together they demonstrate how Marilyn became much more than a movie star – she became a cultural icon whose image continues to fascinate and inspire.

For anyone interested in photography, film, popular culture or Marilyn herself, it is well worth seeing.

And there is still time. Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait continues at the National Portrait Gallery until 6 September 2026. There are extended opening hours on selected dates towards the end of the exhibition, and advance booking is recommended.

If you haven’t seen it yet, this is a great opportunity to spend some time with one of the most photographed women in history – and perhaps come away seeing Marilyn Monroe rather differently.

Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait - National Portrait Gallery