Marilyn Monroe Statue Leaves Chicago

"Forever Marilyn" was dismantled in Chicago's Pioneer Court

The last day to snap a photo with Marilyn Monroe in Chicago is done.

The 40,000-pound, 26-foot statue of the actress' famous pose from "The Seven-Year Itch" was removed Monday night and Tuesday morning from Pioneer Court.

The initially controversial "Forever Marilyn" creation by Seward Johnson was unveiled last July. She now heads to Palm Springs, Calif., where the actress was discovered by a Hollywood agent. Crews dismantled the statue into four pieces and will drive her to California.

It's a bittersweet moment for some who viewed Monroe's iconic, skirt-billowing pose as sexist. One website, VirtualTourist.com, ranked her the worst piece of public art in the world.

VirtualTourist also questioned why a likeness of the star's famous, New York City-based stance was placed in Chicago and said the towering, blown dress forced many to peer up at Marilyn's panties.

The statue temporarily will be installed by the end of May at the corner of Tahquitz Canyon and Palm Canyon drives in Palm Springs. She's expected to stay in place until June 2013.

 

Contact Us