A STROLL THROUGH HOLLYWOOD… will offer a devoted Marilyn Monroe maven several opportunities to encounter celebrated images of the icon: Murals, merchandise, and movie screenings honor the iconic actor, a legend who starred in “The Seven Year Itch,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and other timeless films. But there’s another California location that is starrily synonymous with Marilyn Monroe, a place known for its sand, its sunshine, and its picturesque turrets. It’s Hotel del Coronado, the august Victorian-era landmark that played a prominent and eye-catching role in 1959’s “Some Like It Hot,” filmmaker Billy Wilder’s beloved comedy classic and a central work in the Marilyn Monroe canon.
THE DEL AND MARILYN: The famous photographs of the actor, taken on the beach near Hotel del Coronado during the “Some Like It Hot” shoot, have become some of the best-known snapshots of the star, and fans regularly make the pilgrimage to Coronado Island to walk in her steps. Now, a new exhibition and audio experience are adding depth to Ms. Monroe’s legacy, just in time for the 100th anniversary of her birth. “Marilyn Monroe: The Defining Roles,” a new exhibition in the hotel’s Ice House Museum, goes on view May 30; exhibition guests will enjoy “… rare photography by celebrated photojournalist Lawrence Schiller, archival materials, and behind-the-scenes film content,” too. The in-depth exhibit will be complemented by a new Marilyn-inspired mural making its debut at The Del, as well as an audio tour that’s included with your exhibition ticket. Guests are invited to enjoy the self-guided experience, which will lead to filming locations around the storied location.
A TRIP THROUGH TIME: “The Del is an integral part of Marilyn’s cinematic legacy,” said Marco Tabet, general manager of Hotel del Coronado. “With our historic restoration complete, we’re thrilled to offer guests a celebration of her 100th anniversary that feels both nostalgic and contemporary — from storytelling captured through the Lawrence Schiller photography exhibition to the relaxed glamour of our pool deck.” General admission to the exhibition is $12, and children ages 11 and under are admitted free; find ticket information and booking details on this site.