The Palm Springs Art Museum is currently at the center of a debate regarding a statue of Marilyn Monroe.
“I’ve lived here 25 years, and I think she’s great,” said Greg Robertson, a local real estate agent.
The controversy stems from a 26-foot-tall statue of Marilyn Monroe, which recreates the iconic scene from The Seven Year Itch where she holds down her dress as it’s blown up by a gust of wind. While the statue is meant to be a tribute, its placement in front of the museum has caused issues. Visitors exiting the museum are met with a view up the statue’s dress, revealing her underpants.
“The statue does not belong where it is,” said Catherine Mahon, a recent retiree. “When the deal was made, there was supposed to be a clear view of the museum, and it blocks the museum.”
So far, the museum has not commented on whether they will address the backlash. As it stands, the statue of Marilyn Monroe remains prominently displayed in front of the museum.
“Art is supposed to evoke an emotion,” said resident Gil Rose. “This does not. It evokes nothing. It evokes annoyance. I don’t know that annoyance is an emotion.”
For the record, annoyance is indeed a common emotion, so perhaps the statue is achieving its purpose as a piece of art.
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