A celebration of all things Marilyn, MM100 Festival Haarlem, opens in the Dutch city today.
“In 2026, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth. Her influence on film, fashion, and culture is unparalleled and lives on to this day.
Therefore, the MM100 Festival is being organised in Haarlem from May 30 to June 7, 2026. A multifaceted celebration of Marilyn as an icon, actress, advocate for equal rights, and woman.
From sex symbol to feminist icon; who was Marilyn really? And why does she still touch generations?
MM100 Festival invites everyone to take a new look at the phenomenon of Monroe in all her strength, vulnerability, and mystery.”
The full programme can be viewed here…
- Monday, June 1 at 4pm: Bell-ringer Rien Donkersloot and tribute artist Debra Monroe will lead a rousing chorus of ‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’ from the carillon of the Grote Kerk (aka St. Bavokerk) in Haarlem.in honour of Marilyn’s centenary.
- Marilyn in Books: A selection of Monroe-themed titles is available at De Vries Van Stockum, where illustrator Eric J. Coolen will sign copies of his latest book, Marilyn Moments, on June 1 at 5 pm
- Marilyn in Dance: Theater de Liefde on Friday, June 5, at 6pm: ‘In the choreography by Nora van Dijk and Rimke Saan, longing, fame, freedom, and loneliness come together in a powerful dance narrative.’
- Unstoppable: The Story of Marilyn – Theater de Liefde, June 6-7: Merel Staalstra stars in Jos Ahler’s ‘poignant theatre production that tells the true story of Norma Jeane Baker: the woman behind the icon Marilyn Monroe. Through music, acting, and storytelling, her vulnerability, strength, and influence are palpable.
There are also several free exhibitions on display during the festival…
- Marilyn in Art: More than 50 artists present paintings, sculptures, illustrations, poems, and installations inspired by Marilyn at various locations on Spaarnwouderstraat Haarlem.
- Marilyn in Cartoons: Comic artists, illustrators, and artists showcase their new work inspired by Marilyn at Tanja’s Atelier on Spaarnwouderstraat 112.
- Marilyn Covers Exposed at Galerie SPW9 – Featuring hundreds of magazines dating back to Marilyn’s very first cover in 1946, from the collection of Marco van der Munnik.
- Friends of Marilyn in Vinyl at De Platenslager (aka Record Butcher): An exhibition of iconic record covers by contemporaries of Marilyn Monroe.
Meanwhile, Jopen Bier Ltd has created a bespoke brew for the MM100 Festival…
“Golden Marilyn is a smooth blonde beer at 6.5%. Light gold in colour and soft in taste. You taste fruity notes of banana, a subtle hint of vanilla, and a rounded maltiness. Thanks to the low bitterness, this beer is refreshing, soft, and easy to drink.
The design also deserves attention. The label was designed by Haarlem-based designer Joost la Housse, known for his recognisable style and love for iconic designs.
Golden Marilyn is bottled in festive 33cl cans. And according to rumours, Marilyn herself even stopped by during the bottling. Fortunately, the brewery doesn’t have a ventilation grate in the floor — so everything stayed neatly in place.”
And finally, three of Marilyn’s funniest movies are showing at Filmkoepel in Haarlem as part of the MM100 Festival.
THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH: May 31 at 3:15 pm – “Inextricably linked to the image that made Marilyn Monroe a global icon, the film contains one of the most recognisable scenes in film history: the white dress fluttering on the subway grate … Not only as a sex symbol, but as a smart, comedic, and self-assured actress who played with the image the world had of her, Monroe uses humour and timing to undermine stereotypical expectations.” (Original soundtrack without subtitles)
SOME LIKE IT HOT: June 2 at 6:30 pm – “Marilyn Monroe combines flawless comedic timing with emotional depth and portrays a character seeking autonomy, love, and recognition. In doing so, she touches upon themes that remain relevant today. Some Like It Hot celebrates her talent, her audacity, and her lasting influence on film and culture.”
GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES: June 4 at 6:30 pm – “As Lorelei Lee, Marilyn Monroe is sparkling, astute, and strategic. Behind the blonde glamour hides a woman who knows exactly what she wants and how to read the world around her. The film underscores Monroe’s enormous influence on fashion, music, and pop culture. But it also makes clear how, with playfulness and intelligence, she bent established clichés to her will.”
The Marilyn Report 