Les Murs Peints – Marilyn Monroe

Description

I’ve gotta tell you about one of Paris’s most striking street art pieces – the Marilyn Monroe mural that stops people in their tracks in the 13th arrondissement. This massive artwork towers above the cityscape, bringing Hollywood glamour to an otherwise typical Parisian neighborhood. The first time I saw it, I actually gasped – the scale and detail are just incredible.

The black-and-white portrait captures Monroe in her prime, with that iconic wind-blown hairstyle we all know from The Seven Year Itch. But what makes this piece really special is how the artist managed to maintain her mysterious allure while scaling her face to building-sized proportions. Trust me, it’s way more impressive in person than in photos.

Key Features

• Towering 40-foot (12-meter) high mural depicting Marilyn Monroe in her signature pose
• Masterfully executed in black and white, creating a striking contrast against the urban backdrop
• Part of the larger Street Art 13 initiative that’s transformed the 13th district
• Created by professional street artists using specialized techniques for large-scale murals
• Perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and Instagram-worthy shots
• Surrounded by other notable street art pieces in the neighborhood
• Beautifully preserved and maintained condition
• Free to view at any time
• Located near other interesting local cafes and shops

Best Time to Visit

From my experience photographing this mural multiple times, early morning light (around 8-10 AM) creates the most dramatic shadows and contrast on Marilyn’s face. But honestly? The mural looks amazing any time of day – that’s the beauty of black and white art.

Summer months offer the best weather for exploring the neighborhood on foot, though you might encounter more tourists. I particularly love visiting during spring or fall when the crowds thin out and the lighting is softer. Winter visits can be magical too, especially when there’s a light dusting of snow adding an extra layer of drama to the monochrome artwork.

How to Get There

Getting to the Marilyn Monroe mural is pretty straightforward using Paris’s excellent public transport system. Hop on Metro Line 6 or 14 and get off at Chevaleret station. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk. You really can’t miss it – just look up!

If you’re coming from central Paris, you could also take a pleasant 30-minute walk along the Seine, which gives you a chance to see more of the city. I actually prefer this route cause you’ll stumble upon tons of other street art along the way. Plus, walking helps you get a better feel for the neighborhood’s character.

Tips for Visiting

Y’know what I learned the hard way? Getting the perfect photo isn’t as simple as pointing and shooting. Here are some insider tips I’ve picked up:

Bring a wide-angle lens if you’re serious about photography – you’ll need it to capture the full mural in one shot. The best angles are actually from across the street or slightly diagonal to avoid distortion.

Make this part of a larger street art tour of the 13th arrondissement. There’s so much more to see! I usually spend about 2-3 hours exploring the whole area.

Download a street art map before you go – it’ll help you find other nearby murals. The local tourist office usually has free copies, or you can find them online.

Consider joining a guided street art tour. The guides know all the best spots and share fascinating stories about the artists and their work.

Pack comfortable walking shoes – you’ll do quite a bit of walking if you want to explore the whole neighborhood.

Visit local cafes while you’re in the area. The 13th has some amazing spots where you can grab a coffee and contemplate the art you’ve seen.

And don’t forget to respect the neighborhood – this is a residential area where people live and work. Take your photos, but try not to block the sidewalk or disturb local businesses.

Remember to check the weather forecast before heading out. Overcast days can actually be perfect for photography as you won’t have to deal with harsh shadows or glare.

Last but not least, bring your camera or make sure your phone’s fully charged – you’re definitely gonna want to capture this iconic piece of Parisian street art!

Location

Places to Stay Near Les Murs Peints - Marilyn Monroe

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