Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress moment from The Seven Year Itch is a pop culture touchstone, and at National Harbor, Maryland, you can see it immortalized in sculptural form. The Forever Marilyn statue by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. captures that unforgettable film moment when a blast of air from a New York subway grate sends her skirt fluttering sky-high. But while this life-sized version is captivating, it’s only a small slice of the larger-than-life story behind one of Johnson’s most famous works.
The Forever Marilyn statue at National Harbor stands at a “normal” human height, allowing visitors to get an up-close-and-personal view of Marilyn’s radiant smile and playful pose. However, the real star of this artistic saga is her towering counterpart—a 26-foot-tall version of the same sculpture that has made waves (and headlines) across the globe.
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This colossal Marilyn, constructed from painted stainless steel and aluminum and weighing in at 34,000 pounds, first debuted on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile in 2011. Since then, she’s embarked on a whirlwind world tour, gracing locations like Palm Springs, California; the Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey; and even Australia. After a stint in Connecticut, the giant Marilyn returned to Palm Springs, where she now resides permanently, delighting (and dividing) visitors with her larger-than-life presence.
J. Seward Johnson, Jr., the artistic mind behind Forever Marilyn, had a knack for turning everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. A member of the Johnson & Johnson family, Johnson shifted from business to art, creating hyper-realistic sculptures that invite interaction. From park bench sitters to Marilyn Monroe’s movie magic, his works have a way of drawing viewers into the scene.
National Harbor is no stranger to Johnson’s genius. Another of his famous sculptures, The Awakening, depicts a giant man struggling to emerge from the earth and has become a beloved landmark along the waterfront. Also look for more outdoor art in National Harbor, Maryland, including Holding Out (Bag Lady) and Embracing Peace (The Kiss).
Photos of the Forever Marilyn Sculpture in National Harbor, Maryland
