Forever Marilyn: A Palm Springs Icon
Iconic 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe in her famous *The Seven Year Itch* pose, a must-see landmark in downtown Palm Springs.
Forever Marilyn is a monumental sculpture that pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe and her connection to Palm Springs. Created by artist Seward Johnson, the 26-foot-tall statue depicts Monroe in her famous pose from the 1955 film *The Seven Year Itch*, capturing the iconic moment when her white dress billows up around her as she stands over a subway grate. The statue is made of stainless steel and aluminum, weighing in at 34,300 pounds. Johnson's attention to detail is evident in the sculpture's realistic skin tones and the glossy finish on her lips and nails. Forever Marilyn has a rich history with Palm Springs. In 1949, a William Morris talent agent discovered the 22-year-old Marilyn at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club in Palm Springs. She frequented Palm Springs in the 1950s with her then-husband, Joe DiMaggio, and owned a home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood in the 1960s. The statue was initially installed in Palm Springs in 2012 and quickly became a beloved fixture. After a brief relocation, it returned in 2021 and has been a major tourist attraction ever since, drawing roughly 1 million visitors each year. Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Forever Marilyn is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It stands near the Palm Springs Art Museum, highlighting the connection between the statue and the city's artistic community.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
- Take advantage of the free parking available in the nearby underground art museum garage.
- Explore the shops, restaurants, and art galleries in the surrounding downtown area.
- Check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, located just a block away from the statue.
A brief summary to Forever Marilyn
- Museum Wy, Palm Springs, Downtown Palm Springs, California, 92262, US
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
Forever Marilyn is located in downtown Palm Springs at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road, near the Palm Springs Art Museum. If you are staying in a nearby hotel, you can easily walk to the statue. Head towards the downtown area and follow the signs to North Palm Canyon Drive. Continue straight until you reach Museum Way. The statue is situated in a public area and is easily visible.
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Public Transport
SunLine Transit Agency operates bus routes throughout the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs. Check the local schedules for bus routes that service the downtown area. A single ride fare on SunLine is $1. From the bus stop, walk towards Museum Way and Belardo Road to find the statue.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), a taxi or ride-share to Forever Marilyn typically costs between $10 and $25, depending on the time of day and traffic. Several taxi companies and ride-sharing services operate at the airport. The statue is located at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road in downtown Palm Springs.
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Parking
Parking options near Forever Marilyn include street parking and public parking lots in downtown Palm Springs. Free parking is available in the nearby underground art museum garage. Be aware of parking regulations and time limits. Palm Springs Public Parking Garage is also nearby.
