Marilyn Monroe’s lipstick, clothes and even her front gate are on sale for her 100th – and some are surprisingly cheap

Marilyn Monroe’s lipstick, clothes and even her front gate are on sale for her 100th – and some are surprisingly cheap

May 30, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

As the centennial of Marilyn Monroe’s birth approaches, the artifacts of her life are once again taking center stage. A massive collection of over 100 personal and professional relics is set to cross the auction block during “A Month of Hollywood Legends,” an event presented by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies. The primary showcase, titled “100 Years of Marilyn,” is scheduled for June 4 at 10 a.m. At The Peninsula Beverly Hills, with remote bidding available via the auction house’s website.

A Curated Look at a Cultural Icon

The collection offers an intimate glimpse into the star’s trajectory, featuring items that span from her early career headshots of the 1940s to personal effects from her later years. Among the notable lots are the actress’s annotated script and Max Factor lipstick from her final film, “Something’s Got to Give,” as well as a 1956 Screen Actors Guild membership card and a signed 1960 check from Marilyn Monroe Productions.

A Curated Look at a Cultural Icon
Marilyn Monroe Max Factor lipstick auction lot

Beyond personal care items and documents, the auction includes significant structural history: the front entry gate from Monroe’s former Brentwood home. The property itself was designated a Historic-Cultural Monument in 2024, ensuring the site cannot be demolished. Other highlights range from a 1950s Jeanne Lanvin ivory silk evening gown to a never-published 1962 photograph captured shortly before the actress’s death.

Did You Know? When Marilyn Monroe signed her first contract with 20th Century Fox at age 20, she was legally required to have her guardian, Grace McKee, co-sign the document because the legal age of majority in California at the time was 21.

Market Dynamics and Collector Intent

According to Margaret Barrett, head of Hollywood memorabilia at Julien’s Auctions, much of this collection has been sourced from private estates and collectors who have held these pieces for decades. While some bidders participate in the market for potential resale, Barrett notes that the majority of those pursuing Monroe memorabilia are motivated by personal connection and intend to keep their acquisitions for life.

Marilyn Monroe's PERSONAL ITEMS up for auction at Julien's Auctions | Kinsey Schofield reports
Expert Insight: The diversity of the estimates—ranging from $25 to $25,000—suggests a strategic effort to broaden the collector base. By lowering the barrier to entry for smaller items, the auction house likely aims to maximize engagement across different fan demographics, though We see expected that the final hammer prices for these rare historical pieces will significantly exceed these conservative starting estimates.

Looking Ahead

As the auction date nears, observers may see a surge in interest regarding the provenance of these items, particularly those that have remained out of the public eye for 20 to 30 years. Given the record-breaking history of previous Monroe sales—such as the $4.8 million sale of the dress she wore while singing to President John F. Kennedy—the upcoming event could serve as a bellwether for the current value of high-profile Hollywood history.

Looking Ahead
Marilyn Monroe 1956 SAG membership card image

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the “100 Years of Marilyn” auction take place?
The event will be held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills on June 4 at 10 a.m., with an option for online bidding through the Julien’s Auctions website.

Can the Brentwood home associated with the auction items be demolished?
No. The home was listed as a Historic-Cultural Monument in 2024, which protects it from demolition.

Are all the items in the auction expensive?
Not necessarily. While the auction house expects final bids to be high, they have purposefully set conservative estimates starting as low as $25 to allow a wider range of participants to bid.

Which piece of Marilyn Monroe’s legacy do you think provides the most insight into her life as a person rather than a movie star?

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