Show steps into Marilyn's world

By Nuala McCann
BBC News

A famous Monroe picture from The Seven Year Itch

She was Marilyn Monroe - the world's most famous blonde and a screen icon who died tragically young.

She was found lying naked in her bed in August 1962 with a bottle of pills by her side. She was 36 years old.

For 20 years after her death her ex-husband, the baseball star Joe DiMaggio, had flowers delivered weekly to her grave.

Now, nearly 47 years later, more than 150 of Marilyn Monroe's private possessions are on display in Ireland.

Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons in Kildare, Ireland, is hosting the world premiere of this collection in the run-up to an auction in Las Vegas at the end of June.

The exhibition includes personal effects found in the star's bedroom on the morning that she died.

See some of Marilyn's possessions which are on display

Among the pieces is Monroe's white robe, believed to the last item of clothing that she wore.

There is an orange Pucci blouse seen in photographs of Monroe and the evening jacket worn by the star from The Prince and the Showgirl.

Clothes, furniture and photographs from Marilyn Monroe's Los Angeles home can all be seen.

The exhibition runs until 1 June - the star's 83rd birthday

Some pieces belong to Peter Leonardi, Monroe's one-time personal secretary and some were sold at the Christie's and Julien's Auctions of the Monroe estate.

It is the first time that many of the items have been seen in public.

Visitors can see pictures of Marilyn Monroe's kitchen complete with copper saucepans.

The exhibition is free and runs until 1 June which would have been the movie star's 83rd birthday.

It transfers to the auction in Las Vegas on 26 and 27 June.