‘Forever Marilyn’ assembled in Palm Springs

The foundation of a statue that saw the bitter cold winters and lake-effect snows of the Chicago area now stands in city where the high temperature reached 106 degrees on Monday.

The process of putting together a sculpture of Marilyn Monroe began in the intense heat at the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way. “Forever Marilyn” arrived at the site after a week-long trip on a truck from Chicago.

The sculpture resembles the Hollywood legend from the a scene in the motion picture “The Seven Year Itch,” where a draft of air from a subway vent blows her skirt into the air.

Monday’s assembly was touted as being the most visual with the platform and the legs mounted by a crane and the skirt lifted and put into place.

The torso and head were expected to be lifted into place with a crane on Tuesday, according to organizer P.S. Resorts.

Monroe was no stranger to the Palm Springs area. In fact, she owned a home in the city, which is now a popular choice for tourists to stay in.

Her visits to the city began when she was simply known as Norma Jeane and was trying to make her way in show business. She could be seen modeling for photos at Palm Springs’ Racquet Club, which remains are still standing on North Indian Canyon Drive.

After Hollywood took notice of her in films such as “All About Eve” and “The Asphalt Jungle,” Monroe continued her visits to Palm Springs. Hollywood’s rule forbid talent from traveling more than two hours away from the studios until a film was complete, so Palm Springs became a natural choice for many.

“Forever Marilyn” will be officially dedicated in a May 24 ceremony at the weekly Palm Springs Village Fest street market, which shuts down Palm Canyon Drive each week

The installation is being funded by P.S Resorts, local donors, restaurant and hotel owners and businesses.

“Forever Marilyn” is part of sculptor Seward Johnson’s “Icons Revisited” series.