Marilyn Monroe Statue to Relocate After Protracted Controversy
Truce Reached Between Art Admirers and Monroe Fans
Tentative Plan Announced for Controversial Sculpture's Re-siting
A protracted battle over a 26-foot-high metal statue of Marilyn Monroe in Palm Springs has finally reached a truce. The Palm Springs City Council has announced a tentative plan to relocate the controversial artwork, a fixture of the city's tourist attractions for years. The statue, known as "Forever Marilyn," has been the subject of heated debate between admirers of the city's art museum and fans of the giant outdoor sculpture.
In 2021, Palm Springs Art Museum director Louis Grachos told the council, "This iconic statue does not in any way represent the quality of our collection." The museum has argued that the statue's placement in front of its entrance detracts from its mission as a serious art institution.
The statue's supporters, on the other hand, have maintained that it has become a beloved landmark for tourists and a source of economic benefit for the city. The controversy has dragged on for years, with both sides unable to reach an amicable solution.
The tentative plan announced by the City Council calls for relocating "Forever Marilyn" to a nearby park, where it will be less intrusive to the art museum while still being accessible to visitors. The exact location of the new site is still under consideration, but the council hopes to have the move completed within the next year.
The compromise has been welcomed by both sides of the debate. The art museum has expressed its satisfaction with the decision, while supporters of the statue have acknowledged the need for a more appropriate location. The relocation of "Forever Marilyn" will put an end to a long and contentious chapter in Palm Springs' cultural history, and will allow the city to move forward with a more cohesive vision for its public art.
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