A couple of weekends ago, my friend Sandra and I went to Bendigo by train to see the Marilyn Monroe Exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery. This exhibition features artefacts, photos, film clips, clothing and objects belonging to, or worn by Marilyn, including more than 20 original film costumes. There is a further Australian connection in that the "nude" sequined dress from Some Like It Hot designed by Orry-Kelly is one of the costumes on display. Look for the cheeky heart on the left rear, which you can see in the movie if you look for it.
We started with lunch at The Epicurean Delicatessen:
The Epicurean makes gorgeous fresh pastas and salads every day, and I have wanted to eat there for ages. I had the lasagne with green bean salad ($19.90):
while Sandra had the spaghetti with salmon and the green bean salad ($16.90):
We then walked up the hill towards the Art Gallery, stopping off at the 8 metre tall Forever Marilyn statue in Rosslyn Park for some cheesy shots on the way. I had already seen Forever Marilyn when she was displayed in Palm Springs, way back in 2012.
At the Art Gallery, we were greeted by this large Marilyn cutout from How to Marry A Millionaire:
We then made our way through the exhibition over the space of two and a half hours, including a 15 minute talk about Marilyn's life and career by a member of the gallery staff.
Afterwards, we went to The Wine Bank on View nearby for a glass of rose and a slice of pear frangipane tart:
Fortuitously, The Astor Theatre in Melbourne was screening Some Like It Hot the next day:
The Astor is a grand old art deco theatre which is a spectacle in itself, and a fitting place to watch a Marilyn movie:
I have to say I had never previously seen any of Marilyn's movies, so I enjoyed seeing Some Like It Hot fresh on the tail of seeing the Marilyn exhibition (and yes, I looked out for the heart on the Orry-Kelly dress, which you can see when Marilyn's character, Sugar Kane, first boards the yacht with Joe):
If you happen to be in Victoria, it is well worth making the trip to Bendigo to see the Marilyn exhibition and perhaps enjoying the antique stores and eateries in Bendigo.
Bendigo Art Gallery
42 View Street
Bendigo VIC 3550
Ph: (03) 5434 6088
The Epicurean Delicatessen
79 Mitchell Street
Bendigo VIC 3550
Phone: (03) 5443 2699
The Wine Bank on View
45 View St
Bendigo VIC 3550
Phone: (03) 5444 4655
The Astor Theatre
1 Chapel St & Dandenong Rd
Windsor VIC 3182
Windsor VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 9510 1414
What a fun destination! Plus it looks like you found a yummy spot to dine :)
ReplyDeleteThat is one giant Marilyn. I've seen quite a few of her films. She was a good actor and it was a sad end. I keep meaning to read the Orry-Kelly memoir. I must keep an eye out for the doco. Sounds like a serendipitous few days. The pear cake looks delish!!
ReplyDeleteShe was such a beauty! I have a friend who is obsessed with her. I should show this exhibition to her :)
ReplyDeleteHow fun! There is something about Marilyn...such an icon...all the good bits and all the naughty bits and she was just so pretty. Your dining looked good as well...that tart especially! Now that tart was not a statement on Marilyn or anything, right? :-)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great day - and that pear frangipane tart looks amazing! I'm sure you could make an equally good one but it is nice to be able to treat yourself on someone else's effort :-)
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