$2.5 Million dollar Marilyn Monroe Exhibit Opens at
Ripley’s Believe Or Not!® & The Palace of Wax® in Grand Prairie

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX (11-12) – Marilyn is in the building… Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!® & The Palace of Wax®, that is! The $2.5 million exhibit will be unveiled at 10 a.m. today. Marilyn, a special collection of rare personal items and memorabilia from the life of the legendary Marilyn Monroe, will be on display beginning today and continuing until September 2003.

Since Marilyn’s tragic death 40 years ago, more than 600 books have been written about her, dozens of fan clubs still thrive and, nearly three years ago, personal property from her estate was sold for a record $13 million at a Christie’s auction in New York City. Without doubt, the world is still intrigued and fascinated by the life of Norma Jeane Baker.

Visitors can get up close and personal with Hollywood’s most legendary star. Included in the display is a special collection of Marilyn’s personal property including her traveling cosmetic case (with some of her make-up still in it), one of her famous halter dresses, a nylon stocking from her wedding night with Joe DiMaggio, and the centerpiece of the exhibition – the heavy, Mexican sweater she wore in the last picture she ever had taken (seen on the first page of this release).

Ripley’s purchased more than a dozen major items at the renowned Christie’s auction in 1999, but this special and unique exhibition contains much more than those items. Memorabilia, fascinating facts, photos and much more have gone into this astonishing tribute to Marilyn Monroe.

From the Christie’s auction, Ripley’s purchased several high ticket items including Marilyn’s personal make-up case which still contains vintage lipsticks, a set of false eyelashes, smelling salts, lotions and much more. Christie’s had estimated the value at $1,000, but the price soared to a breathe-taking $266,500. Another highly desired item that Ripley’s purchased was the famous hand-knit Mexican cardigan sweater worn by Marilyn in 1962 and featured in a series of photographs taken on the beach in Santa Monica, California during her last magazine photo shoot. The sweater’s estimated value was $30,000 but it sold for a mind-boggling $167,500.

The Marilyn collection also includes one of her famous halter dresses, lingerie items, scarves, hoods, casual wear, shoes and much more. Among the various shoes acquired were the most infamous of Marilyn’s collection – a pair of fur-trimmed glass slippers. The slippers were valued for action at $1,000 but bids soared to an astounding $85,000.

In addition to the Christie’s lot, the exhibition is filled with dozens of little known anecdotes and fascinating facts from every major phase of Marilyn’s life including Marilyn’s last will and testament. Fans will also enjoy rare movie footage, Marilyn trivia games and more.

Were Marilyn Monroe still alive, she would have been more than 75 years old…but in the hearts of millions, she’s still here and will live forever. Join Marilyn on her meteoric rise to fame, her search for love, respect and recognition and her tragic and mysterious death. Marilyn will be on display at Ripley’s until September 2003 and is included in Ripley’s normal admission charge.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!® and The Palace of Wax® are located at 601 E. Safari Parkway in Grand Prairie, Texas. [Take I-30 to Beltline Road in Grand Prairie (exit 34) and follow the signs to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!® and The Palace of Wax®.] Ripley’s showcases oddities, illusions and artifacts from around the world in a series or rooms and chambers with hundreds of interactive and outrageous exhibits calculated to delight audiences of all ages. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!® and The Palace of Wax® are open year around. A typical visit is a self-guided experience that lasts about two hours and parking is free.