‘Forced to preserve a monument’: how the fate of Marilyn Monroe’s LA home became a legal saga
House where Monroe died, which hasn’t been occupied in seven years, is in limbo after current owners wanted to demolish it but were stopped by a public campaign
TL;DR
- Marilyn Monroe bought a Spanish bungalow in Los Angeles in February 1962, the only house she fully owned.
- The house is considered symbolic of her independence and spirit, particularly as it was uncommon for single women to own property then.
- Current owners purchased the property in 2023 with plans to demolish it and incorporate the land into their adjacent estate.
- A public campaign resulted in the house being designated a cultural-historical monument in 2024, preventing demolition.
- The owners are suing the city, alleging infringement of their property rights and a significant loss in property value.
- A federal judge dismissed the initial allegation of improper property control, but allowed for an amended complaint.
- The house has been unoccupied since 2019 and is reportedly in disrepair, with a damaged roof, non-functional systems, and potential mould.
- Preservationists fear 'demolition through neglect,' while owners argue they are being forced to maintain a monument at their own expense.
- The city lacks a dedicated fund to purchase historic properties, and the owners are unwilling to sell or rent the house.
- The legal and practical future of the house remains uncertain, with ongoing legal battles and the challenge of maintaining a structure the owners do not wish to preserve.