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Marilyn Monroe’s house, here in 1964, was listed as a historic monument to avoid demolition.
HOUSE OF STARS – Everything about Marilyn Monroe is iconic, even the house where she lived. This Wednesday, June 26, the Los Angeles City Council classified Marilyn Monroe’s final resting place as a city historical heritage site. This decision, approved by a unanimous vote, aims to avoid the destruction of the house in which the American actress took her last breath.
As reported by AFP, Los Angeles City Council member Traci Park said he “There is no other person or place in the city of Los Angeles as iconic as Marilyn Monroe and her Brentwood home”.
Marilyn Monroe acquired this 270 m² single-storey hacienda in Brentwood, a chic and peaceful neighborhood, in 1962, hoping to regain some semblance of privacy after her divorce from the writer Arthur Miller. It was in this residence, isolated from prying eyes from the street, that she was found dead at the age of 36, after succumbing to a drug overdose.
“Some of the most famous images of her were taken in this house, on this land and by her swimming pool. Marilyn died there tragically, which links her forever, in time and space, to this place. explained the chosen one again.
Controversy surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s house
Since his death, the place has had several owners and in 2023, controversy erupted after it was purchased by Brinah Milstein, a wealthy heiress, and Roy Bank, a reality TV producer. The couple, who own a neighboring house, bought this residence for $8.35 million (approximately 7.80 million euros) with the intention of razing it to expand their property. However, their demolition permit was quickly canceled by the city, due to the historical issue. This decision led them to take legal action.
MARIO TAMA / AFP
An aerial view of Marilyn Monroe’s final home in California.
To date, the courts have not yet issued a final decision on the merits of the case. The city’s classification of the house does not make its demolition impossible but requires careful examination by the municipal heritage commission.
The couple offered to move the house, to make it accessible to fans still fascinated by the actress. An option still under study, according to Traci Park. “My team and I worked closely with the owners to evaluate the possibility of moving the house to a location where the public could actually visit and spend time”explained the municipal councilor.
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