The unique private collection of Peter Schnug
JUNE 1, 2026, MARKS THE CENTENARY OF MARILYN MONROE'S BIRTH.
| THE MARILYN MONROE ARCHIVE | COLLECTION | EXHIBITION | MUSEUM | TV & RADIO | CONSULTING | EXPERT | BIOGRAPHER | NTERVIEWS | ENGLISH SPEAKING |
PETER SCHNUG
„Marilyn Monroe's biography is dramatic. But her life was not dependent, as often written today. She was professionally organized and extremely self-critical. Monroe skillfully avoided sexualized violence, which at times placed her in difficult professional situations early in her career. Her experiences as a starlet fostered a self-confident and emancipated attitude, which she carried into her role as a world star. Marilyn Monroe was ahead of her time and remains a role model for the international and diverse #MeToo movement today."
Peter Schnug , Düsseldorf, August 5, 2022
„Because of her tragic life story, which recalls exceptional works of literature, Marilyn Monroe occupies the same place in the 20th century as Fontane's EFFI BRIEST and Tolstoy's ANNA KARENINA did in the 19th."
Peter Schnug , Los Angeles, August 5, 2012
„Marilyn Monroe embodies the ultimate American dream. Her life mirrors the story of Disney's CINDERELLA - a poor girl from a deprived background who rises to become a successful, world-famous Hollywood star."
Peter Schnug, Los Angeles, August 5, 2002
„It is very unusual to see such an incredibly beautiful woman with such a deep need. You think she is perfect, so happy. But Marilyn Monroe had an inner unrest that captivated both women and men alike.“
Peter Schnug
Los Angeles, August 5, 2012
Peter Schnug is known as a film historian and serious Marilyn Monroe biographer. He has worked as a consultant for TV programs such as „Myth Marilyn Monroe" and „Diva Marilyn Monroe". Peter researched interviewees, archival material, and little-known facts for the ARD documentary series „Legends", shedding new light on the life of the Hollywood star.
He was involved in an advisory capacity for the musical „Marilyn", which premiered at the Gärtnerplatz Theater in Munich, and contributed texts and photos for the book of the musical.
Peter provided thematically selected exhibits to the Film Museum Düsseldorf for the exhibition „Homage to Marilyn Monroe".
Additionally, he organized exhibitions in Berlin, Vienna, Essen, Krefeld, Heilbronn, and Münsterlingen on Lake Constance, Switzerland.
He provided carefully curated exhibits from his Marilyn Monroe collection to the Jewish Museum in Vienna for the exhibition „Bigger than Life: 100 Years of Hollywood. A Jewish Experience".
For further exhibitions, his collection of exhibits is available to institutions with a thematic interest in the public sector. Curated exhibitions are also possible in relevant institutions within the private sector.
His archive about the actress and private individual Marilyn Monroe contains hundreds of historical items, including photos, film posters, scrapbooks, magazines, documents such as her birth certificate and will, rare sound recordings, private 8 mm films, and other media of all kinds.
Original documents, such as business papers, working scripts, autographs, private letters, and fashionable accessories from the Hollywood icon, round off his archive.
His Marilyn Monroe archive focuses on words, images, film, sound, and on the artist who today is a pop icon.
Peter was in contact with individuals who knew Marilyn Monroe personally.
He was featured multiple times in the U.S. film magazine „Hollywood Then and Now".
With his unique collection and many years of experience, Peter makes a significant contribution to the historical examination of Marilyn Monroe’s life and legacy.
Peter founded „The Marilyn Monroe Archive" in 1982 and has been online since 1997 under his domain:
On the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death, Peter was invited to deliver a eulogy at the chapel at Westwood Memorial Park in Hollywood, where the actress was laid to rest.
In his tribute, he remembered the global star who, coming from a deprived background, achieved worldwide fame through her talent and hard work, despite a troubled youth. Marilyn Monroe embodies the true American Dream and continues to inspire many today.
Through both her art and her life, she inadvertently became an enduring symbol of modernity.
Peter studied history, media psychology and film studies. He has worked as a director, designer, curator and lecturer.
Peter lives in Düsseldorf, Germany, and speaks both German and English.
He has been reachable since 1992 at the following email address:
Peter Schnug hält die Laudatio zum 50. Todestag von Marilyn Monroe in der Kapelle auf dem Westwood Memorial Park in Hollywood.
FILM MUSEUM OF THE STATE CAPITAL DÜSSELDORF
For our special exhibition „Hommage to Marilyn Monroe", the Film Museum of the State Capital Düsseldorf invited Mr. Peter Schnug as the curator. In collaboration with the renowned Marilyn Monroe expert, a rich overview of the artist's life and work was created, featuring rare exhibits.
Thanks to the remarkable collection of Mr. Peter Schnug, the museum's visitors were able to admire over 1,000 objects from all periods of the actress's career.
His interest in the Hollywood icon motivated him to conduct scholarly research in archives and libraries. He also interviewed eyewitnesses who personally knew Marilyn Monroe.
His enthusiasm did not prevent him from critically engaging with her. As a result, the exhibition on Marilyn Monroe did not offer glorification but instead an open confrontation with both the person and her work.
Thanks to his expertise as a web designer and film editor, Peter Schnug not only created a computer presentation about Marilyn Monroe at the Film Museum but also designed the website that highlighted our exhibition on Marilyn Monroe.
His dedication and specialized knowledge make him an indispensable partner in activities related to the iconic figure of American show business.
Dr. Sabine Lenk
Director
Film Museum of the State Capital Düsseldorf
Guests since January 1, 1997
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The Marilyn Monroe Archive is an international collection of words, images, films, and audio. The collection is complemented by original exhibits. The archive offers incredible opportunities for books, exhibitions, events, television, and radio projects. Expert advice and research services are available. The Marilyn Monroe Archive was founded by Peter Schnug in 1982 and has been online since 1997. Its unique collection on Marilyn Monroe provides detailed information about the life and death of the actress and pop icon.
Copyright © 2026 under § 44b UrhG - Peter Schnug