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MARILYN MONROE-26FT STATUE

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Marilyn Monroe comes back to life in Chicago

Nearly 50 years after her death, an American screen legend has come back to life on Chicago's Michigan Avenue.

On July 15, Chicago's Pioneer Court unveiled "Forever Marilyn," a towering 26-foot (7.9 m) statue of actress Marilyn Monroe in her famous pose taken from the film Seven Year Itch.

Standing on an air vent, hands on her lap and smiling as a gust of wind blows upward her iconic white dress, Marilyn is now drawing crowds of tourists eager to take a picture with the truly larger-than-life movie star.

The statue, which weighs a staggering 34,000 pounds (15,420 kg) and is made of aluminum and stainless steel, was created by sculptor Seward Johnson.

"Forever Marilyn" is not Johnson's first art work on display at Pioneer Court, but his earlier pieces did not provoke quite the same reaction the statue is already getting from passersby, who seem to either love or hate it.

Monroe has long been a favorite of the American public, and many find the piece a nice tribute to the actress who left such a mark on America's movie scene. But others say the statue's 360-degree view of Marilyn's billowing skirt and exposed panties are inappropriate and will inspire more unwanted attention and tasteless photos than true admiration for the actress.

"I love the statue," says Lisa of Pittsburgh, a fan of Monroe, who gave only her first name. She didn't seem to understand the reason for the controversy surrounding the sculpture. "It's absolutely appropriate, it's not the least bit offensive... it's Marilyn Monroe!"

Nevertheless, the controversy inspired by the statue only goes to show that Monroe is far from forgotten and continues to leave her mark on the American public today, a commentator said.

"Forever Marilyn" will be on display at Pioneer Court until spring 2012.