The challenge of this project is to design a reliquary for a 20th century artifact as part of a special Smithsonian exhibition of Relics of the 20th Century. Due to exhibition space limitations the reliquary will be a box-based form with a viewing portal appropriate to the chosen relic/artifact.

Final Marilyn Monroe Reliquary

Her name brings beauty and sensuality, with a note of innocence, to the minds of those who hear it. Marilyn Monroe dominated the age of movie stars to become, without question, one of the most famous women of the 20th century. During her career, Monroe made 30 films and left one, “Something’s Got to Give,” unfinished. A worldwide sensation in her lifetime, Monroe’s popularity made her much more than a star; she became an American icon.

The camera was the most captivating symbol for her. When figuring out this project I liked the idea that the camera represented her acting and modeling career.

When designing the reliquaries I decided to create a look of the 3 things she was known for. Acting was my first idea so I made a box in the shape of a directors chair. Then I made a camera to represent modeling. Lastly I designed a vanity mirror box to represent a her beauty status.

Refined Marilyn Monroe Reliquary Drawing

Construction photographs of Marilyn Monroe Reliquary

Final Marilyn Monroe Reliquary