HOLLYWOOD – The Hollywood Museum is pleased to present “Jean Harlow: Hollywood’s First Blond Bombshell,” opening to the public on Friday, March 3rd, 2017, in celebration of Harlow’s birthday. Born Harlean Carpenter, the Kansas City, MO native would have been 106. Producer and entrepreneur, Howard Hughes, is credited with discovering many of Hollywood’s golden age leading ladies, but Harlow was his first. From vintage vixens to modern movie mavens (Monroe, Mansfield, Madonna, and even Lady Gaga), have all paid homage to the great Jean Harlow, who died mysteriously at the age of 26. Max Factor, who created the “Platinum” blonde look, first unveiled it on Harlow and recreated for Marilyn Monroe – both in the Max Factor Studio’s, now The Hollywood Museum.
The “Jean Harlow: Hollywood’s First Blond Bombshell,” exhibit, will offer a rare and intimate look into the personal and professional life of, arguably, one of the greatest sex symbols of all time, including the never-before-publically-seen Tino Costa life-size painting of Jean Harlow that was commissioned by her mother, Jean Bello and hung in her home after Harlow’s death. This ethereal and eerie full-size portrait that had been lost for fifty years, will now be on display for its first public exhibition since 1937.
“We are thrilled to unveil our ‘Jean Harlow: Hollywood’s first Bombshell’ exhibit on Harlow’s Birthday, here at the Hollywood Museum. This is where Hollywood’s make-up king, Max Factor worked his magic on Jean; and, years later one of Harlow’s biggest fans grew into a young starlet at Max Factor’s hands, giving her the updated version of Jean Harlow’s Platinum Blonde hair color – she became Miss Marilyn Monroe. It all started right here in the Max Factor Building that’s now the Hollywood Museum. The museum’s curatorial team has enjoyed working with the exhibit’s guest curator, Darrell Rooney,” said President, Donelle Dadigan.
Highlights of the Harlow exhibit on display include Jean Harlow’s 1932 Packard Phaeton convertible, two sterling silver diaper pins used on baby Harlean and saved by her mother Mrs. Jean Bello, the 1932 “Grand Hotel” ledger from the Premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theater and signed by Harlow, an embroidered stool from Harlow’s Club View Drive home, Harlow’s personal wardrobe, a personally autographed photo to “Miss Jean Harlow” from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (historically significant as the first female star to be invited to a Washington DC celebration in January 1937), as well as an unpublished and never-before-seen candid photo of ten-year-old Harlean Carpenter (from her father Dr. Mont Clair Carpenter’s personal collection) and from the set of “Saratoga.”
“She didn’t want to be famous. She wanted to be happy.”-Clark Gable
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM IN THE HISTORIC MAX FACTOR BUILDING:
See 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures spanning more than 100 years of Hollywood history! Located next to the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building houses the largest collection of entertainment memorabilia on display in the world. It is home to thousands of costumes, props, photographs, posters, celebrity automobiles and other treasures from some of the most iconic films and TV shows ever made! See Hollywood legends – past, present, and in the making! The museum attracts thousands of fans from around the world and was recently named one of the top tourist attractions by LA Weekly and by Trip Advisor, and was voted one of the Top 10 Museums in LA by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. The Hollywood Museum is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
The ultimate destination for tourists and movie fans, The Hollywood Museum is located in the Historic Max Factor Building, across from where the Oscars® will be held on February 26th.
REGULAR HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
TICKETS: $15 Adults: $12 Seniors (62+): $12 for students with ID and $5 Children under 5.
ADDRESS: 1660 N. Highland Ave. (at Hollywood Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90028
MUSEUM INFO: www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com or Tel: (323) 464-7776
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