After years of controversy and a protracted legal battle, one of Palm Springs’ most recognizable tourist attractions is set to move. The Forever Marilyn statue, a 26-foot-tall tribute to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic skirt scene from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, has been a source of division since its return to Palm Springs in 2021.
Standing prominently at the edge of Downtown Park, the statue, with Monroe’s sculpted back facing the Palm Springs Art Museum, has drawn criticism from both locals and visitors.
Many have expressed concern over its portrayal of Monroe, arguing that the statue objectifies the Hollywood icon and clashes with modern cultural values.
In response to these concerns and the ongoing public outcry, Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein announced that the statue will be resettled within Downtown Park. “The City Council is very pleased to have found a satisfactory solution to this issue, which has divided so many within our community,” Bernstein said in a statement. While the exact new location within the park has not been disclosed, the statue will not be moved far, as the park itself spans only 1.5 acres.
This decision comes after lengthy discussions and legal proceedings aimed at addressing the concerns of those who find the statue problematic while still preserving a piece of Palm Springs’ cultural landscape. It currently resides in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The controversy surrounding Forever Marilyn reflects broader societal debates about how historical figures and cultural icons are represented in public spaces.
Critics argue that the statue, with its focus on a highly sexualized image of Monroe, is not in line with contemporary views on gender and representation. Meanwhile, supporters maintain that the statue is a valuable piece of public art and an important tourist attraction that celebrates a moment in Hollywood history.
As the statue prepares for its short move within the park, the decision marks an attempt to balance the differing perspectives within the community.
The relocation is seen as a compromise that allows the statue to remain part of Palm Springs while acknowledging the concerns raised by its detractors.
The future of the Forever Marilyn statue will likely continue to be a topic of discussion in Palm Springs, as the city navigates the complex interplay between cultural heritage and evolving social values. For now, the statue remains a prominent fixture in the park, though soon to be seen from a new angle within its familiar surroundings.
