Swarovski Crystal Worlds Present Homage to Marilyn Monroe

(eap) To mark the 100^th birthday of Marilyn Monroe on 1 June 2026, Swarovski Kristallwelten (Engl.: Swarovski Crystal Worlds) is presenting the special exhibition “Marilyn, Forever Inspiring” from today, which is intended to provide insights into the private life and stage career of the Hollywood icon.

“Ted Stampfer owns what is currently the largest private collection of Monroe memorabilia accessible to the public.” (Swarovski Kristallwelten) © Swarovski Kristallwelten On display are exhibits from the Swarovski Corporate Archive, including dresses, shoes, jewellery, fan mail and photographs. Loans from the private collection of German curator Ted Stampfer, who owns a large number of pieces from Marilyn Monroe’s estate, are also part of the show. A specially curated soundtrack featuring original songs and music inspired by the artist complements the exhibition experience at the Kristallwelten, as does a photo spot designed in the style of a classic Old Hollywood dressing table.

“With this special exhibition, we are putting Marilyn Monroe and the global myth associated with her in the spotlight, but also the radiance that connects Swarovski with her and with the world of entertainment,” says Stefan Isser, Managing Director of Swarovski Kristallwelten.

Co-curator Ted Stampfer adds: “Much has been written and speculated about Marilyn Monroe. For me, the only unadulterated view of her life comes through her personal belongings. I am therefore very pleased that, to mark Marilyn Monroe’s 100^th birthday, Swarovski Kristallwelten is exhibiting dazzling pieces that offer visitors a unique and authentic insight into her life.”

Marilyn Monroes letzte Mitgliedskarte zur Oscarverleihung 1962. © Swarovski Kristallwelten A high-quality, handmade replica of the dress adorned with thousands of crystals, which Marilyn Monroe wore when she performed at John F. Kennedy’s birthday dinner in May 1962, can be seen in the “The Art of Performance” Chamber of Wonder at Swarovski Kristallwelten. The dress was already introduced there in 2021 – as part of an exhibition curated by US designer Michael Schmidt featuring sparkling outfits of international Hollywood and pop stars such as Cher, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Katy Perry.

Recently, new exhibits have also been added to the Chamber of Wonder: an iconic jacket by Elton John from his London fashion archive, an extravagant costume worn by burlesque performer Dita von Teese, a performance hat belonging to Japanese rock star Hyde and the Coachella outfit of Thai K-pop singer Lisa, adorned with neon-coloured crystals.

The special exhibition marking the 100^th birthday of Marilyn Monroe will be on display at Swarovski Kristallwelten until 6 September 2026. ■