Celebrating Marilyn 1926/ 2026

2026 marks 100 years since the birth of the American actress and model Norma Jeane Mortenson, better known as Marilyn Monroe, an icon of popular culture in the 1950s. To celebrate this centenary, the Conde Duque Cultural Centre presents a commemorative exhibition based on the private collection of José Luis Rupérez in Room 1 from 22 October to 1 February, 2026.

This exhibition aims to showcase the influence of Marilyn Monroe on different artistic movements from the 1950s, to contemplate the evolution of the actress and model's image into a pop culture icon, and to offer a unique opportunity to see how different designers have approached Marilyn visually from different graphic perspectives. It also serves as a reminder of Marilyn not only as a star, but as a graphic myth, from multiple perspectives.

The exhibition begins with one of her most iconic moments, when she visited American troops in Korea, and is structured through several sections: All about her movies, a decoupage with posters from her films; The metamorphosis of Norma Jean, a curated photographic selection of the illustrators and photographers who created the myth that will lead us to Marilyn reinterpreted in Deconstructing Marilyn, a broad vision of the icon by various artists.

In addition to the exhibition, during the months of November, December and January, the Conde Duque auditorium will host the film series An Afternoon with Marilyn every Thursday, featuring screenings of seven of her most iconic films.