In July 1962, Marilyn Monroe was photographed on Santa Monica beach in what would become her final photo session. The images show a calmer, more natural side of the Hollywood star. Her hair moves with the sea breeze, and she appears relaxed, playful, and open to the camera.
In one of the last frames, she sits on the sand with her hands gently clasped, appearing to send a soft kiss toward the lens. The photos were taken by photographer George Barris, who captured a rare sense of ease in the icon’s final public images.
Just a few weeks after the shoot, Monroe was found dead at her Los Angeles home at the age of 36. The photos later gained historical importance as the last professional portraits taken during her lifetime.
A Star Who Defined Hollywood’s Golden Era
Marilyn Monroe became one of the most recognisable faces of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She starred in major films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot. Her screen presence and style turned her into a global cultural figure.
Experts and curators have often pointed out how her image changed over time. According to curator Rosie Broadley, Monroe evolved into the version of herself she aimed to become, the global star known as Marilyn Monroe.
Her public identity often reflected both glamour and emotional complexity. That contrast kept audiences fascinated, even decades after her death.
Lasting Cultural Impact
Monroe’s influence continues across fashion, film, and pop culture. Her image still appears in advertising, while artists and designers continue to reference her style. Her life story is also retold in books, films, and exhibitions.
Even today, she remains one of the most discussed figures in entertainment history. Her legacy continues to grow as new generations discover her work and personal story.
New Exhibition Marks 100 Years Since Her Birth
On 1 June 2026, it will be 100 years since Marilyn Monroe’s birth. To mark the occasion, the National Portrait Gallery in London is preparing a major exhibition titled Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait.
The exhibition explores her career through photography and art. It includes works by photographers and artists such as Eve Arnold, Cecil Beaton, and Andy Warhol. It also features several images from her final Santa Monica shoot.
Curators say the exhibition focuses on how Monroe’s image was shaped through long creative collaborations. Some photographers worked with her for years, while others captured only a single session that still became iconic.
