Premier

Marilyn Monroe Puts Bendigo On The World Stage

04 March 2016

Visitors from around Australia and beyond are set to join the Bendigo community in reliving the life and times of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.

Premier Daniel Andrews today opened the Bendigo Art Gallery and Twentieth Century Fox’s Marilyn Monroe exhibition – the fourth instalment of the renowned Bendigo International Collections series.

The exhibition, which is being supported by the Andrews Labor Government, will showcase one of the world’s most celebrated starlets, from her early years as an aspiring actress to international stardom – and then her untimely death.

It is one of the most comprehensive collections of her costumes, photographs and personal possessions ever compiled.

The key attraction is the stunning eight-metre sculpture capturing Monroe in her classic pose from the 1955 Billy Wilder blockbuster, The Seven-Year Itch. The centrepiece statue, produced by Seward Johnson, weighs 15 tonnes.

Australian and international visitors love heading to Bendigo for big art and cultural events. The ‘Grace Kelly: Style Icon’ instalment attracted more than 150,000 visitors, eclipsing a box office record in regional Australia.

The exhibition will generate approximately $11 million for the Greater Bendigo region with many new opportunities for local businesses and more jobs.

Major events attract visitors and stimulate the economy. That’s why the Labor Government has provided an additional $80 million to get the biggest and best events here in Victoria.

Marilyn Monroe runs from March 5 to July 10. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for concession card holders.

Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews

“Marilyn Monroe was a true Hollywood icon and the fantastic Bendigo Art Gallery is the perfect location for this fitting tribute to her extraordinary journey.”

“This will be a real blockbuster and will bring thousands of visitors from around Australia and the globe, showcasing Bendigo as a leading city for big events.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

“This fantastic exhibition will deliver jobs and great opportunities for local businesses, as well as ensuring Bendigo Art Gallery remains number one across regional Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

“Marilyn Monroe will be yet another showstopper for Bendigo and we’ll continue to ensure that our town gets the biggest and best events because that’s good for jobs and good for growth.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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