Hotel del Coronado Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s Birth with Exclusive Exhibition, Immersive Programming, and Poolside Glamour

Honoring Marlyn Monroe’s Legacy with a Photography Exhibition, Poolside Mural Installation and Immersive Experiences

SAN DIEGO, CA (May 19, 2026) – As the world celebrates the 100^th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, the iconic Hotel del Coronado is honoring the screen legend with a series of exclusive experiences that blend Hollywood nostalgia with contemporary luxury.

Following the completion of a more than $550 million property-wide transformation, The Del has meticulously preserved its landmark 1888 Victorian architecture while elevating the guest experience across its beachfront estate. This restoration serves as the stage to celebrate Monroe, who famously found herself “at her most relaxed” while filming Some Like It Hot on the golden sands of Coronado Beach in 1958.

“The Del is an integral part of Marilyn’s cinematic legacy,” said Marco Tabet, general manager, Hotel del Coronado. “With our historic restoration complete, we’re thrilled to offer guests a celebration of her 100th anniversary that feels both nostalgic and contemporary—from the storytelling captured through the Lawrence Schiller photography exhibition to the relaxed glamour of our pool deck.”

Special Exhibition: Marilyn Monroe: The Defining Roles

The centerpiece of The Del’s celebration is “Marilyn Monroe: The Defining Roles,” a special exhibition at the hotel’s historic Ice House Museum from Saturday, May 30 through Friday, July 31. This curated experience explores a pivotal chapter in Monroe’s life—beginning with her mid-1950s move to New York to reshape her career on her own terms, through the filming of her last movies.

The exhibition features the work of celebrated photojournalist Lawrence Schiller, whose images capture a side of Monroe defined by focus, discipline, and creative ambition. Alongside Schiller’s photography, guests will discover archival materials and behind-the-scenes footage from Some Like It Hot, offering an intimate look at an artist in a constant state of reinvention. Tickets are available here.

As an extension of the exhibition, tickets include access to Marilyn: On Location, a self-guided audio tour that leads visitors through key filming locations across the resort. Along the way, fans will hear stories from the set and discover how director Billy Wilder used the resort’s architecture to transform The Del into 1920s Florida for Some Like It Hot.

Poolside Glamour & Marilyn’s Favorite Dessert

The celebration extends to the resort’s pool area, where a newly commissioned Marilyn Monroe mural by acclaimed muralist Jason Gaillard serves as a stunning visual tribute to her time at the resort.

Beyond the pool deck, guests can also enjoy an ode to Monroe at Veranda, the hotel’s new al fresco dining destination, which features “An Icon’s Chilled Soufflé”—a decadent recreation of the vanilla and strawberry rosewater dessert Monroe ordered from hotel chefs every day during the filming of Some Like It Hot.

For more information about The Del’s Marilyn Monroe programming, please visit https://www.hoteldel.com/experience/marilyn-exhibit/.

Media Assets

• Marilyn Monroe: The Defining Roles exhibit images can be found here.

(credit: Lawrence Schiller; limit 4 images per media publication)

• Hotel del Coronado Marilyn Monroe images can be found here.

            (credit: Hotel del Coronado)

• Hotel del Coronado property images can be found here.

(credit: Hotel del Coronado)

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About Hotel del Coronado

Set on one of America’s most iconic beaches, the legendary Hotel del Coronado has welcomed discerning travelers for more than 135 years to experience the Southern California coastal lifestyle at its best. Following the completion of a six-year, more than $550 million property-wide restoration and enhancement plan, the magic and nostalgia of the property’s storied past now blend seamlessly with contemporary luxury in overnight and day experiences that offer every amenity imaginable. Hotel del Coronado offers five distinct neighborhood experiences, including Shore House at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts, the hotel’s newest residential-style neighborhood featuring luxury villa accommodations, which complement the luxurious and newly renovated Beach Village at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts; The Cabanas, where refined coastal design complements the newly refreshed pool, serving as the social center of the hotel; The Views, the hotel’s home-base for coastal adventure experiences and activities; and The Victorian building, which has re-emerged after a historic restoration that preserves its cherished architecture while elevating the guest experience. For more information, please visit hoteldel.com.

About Curio Collection by Hilton  

Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of nearly 180 individually remarkable hotels hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Each hotel in the Curio Collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage and curated experiences, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience Curio Collection by Hilton by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/curio, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X.

About LXR Hotels & Resorts 

LXR Hotels & Resorts is a growing collection of 16 award-winning luxury properties that celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure. Found in the world’s most alluring destinations, each hand-selected property boasts its own storied past and is infused with the essence of its distinctive locale, providing a luxurious hub for the discerning adventurer. As part of its commitment to enriching the guest experience, LXR Hotels & Resorts celebrates experiential travel with the Pursuit of Adventure, a new brand signature that immerses guests in authentic, curated experiences that reflect the unique culture and character of each destination. LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Each property benefits from the strength of the Hilton enterprise and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience an inspiring stay at LXR Hotels & Resorts by booking at lxrhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about LXR Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/lxr and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.