The year is 1955 and one of the world’s most famous stars is preparing to attend a show on Broadway. Marilyn Monroe, then 28 years old, takes a few moments in her room to do her makeup, dab her neck with a drop of her favourite perfume, Chanel No. 5, and ready herself for the show. In these photographs, the star’s rare quiet moments in private are revealed, showing a Monroe that’s playful, demure and just like any other woman before a big night out.

These photographs were taken at the Ambassador Hotel in New York City. Monroe was getting ready to see the Broadway premiere of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Morosco Theatre.

Only two month later, in May 1955, Marilyn started to see Arthur Millar, the playwright. It had been six months since she divorced second husband Joe DiMaggio, whom she had been married to for less than a year.

Step beyond the bright lights of Hollywood with these photographs to see the private side of one of the world’s best loved, and perhaps most misunderstood star: Marilyn Monroe.

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