See the World'sMost Expensive Dress!
Happy Birthday, Mr. President...
On May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe made history when she famously sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy for his 45th birthday at Madison Square Garden in a stunning, provocative flesh-colored gown.
On November 17, 2016, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! set a new Guinness World Records record for the most expensive dress sold at auction when they acquired the dress from Julien’s Auctions for a staggering $4.8 million.
Add in auction fees, and the dress cost over $5 million, making it the most expensive dress in the world!
Also in the exhibit
JOHN F. KENNEDY GALA TICKET
The ticket is marked for section 112, and in 1962 cost only $25.
BOB MACKIE SKETCH
Bob Mackie signed sketch of Marilyn Monroe in her 1962 Jean Louis designed gown.
AUTOGRAPHED CERAMIC TILES
Monroe’s inscription (third from the left, in the top row), reads: “To Clive Love & Kisses Marilyn Monroe”
GALA POSTER
JFK’s birthday party featured some of the biggest names in show business. Marilyn definitely stole the show, but performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Danny Kaye, Bobby Darin, Maria Callas, Jack Benny, and the show’s finale, Diahann Carroll, were also electrifying.
JOHN F. KENNEDY GALA PROGRAM
Believe It or Not!, after Marilyn’s sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday”, five more entertainers had to perform after her!