Where is the Marilyn Monroe Mural located?

The mural is located at the corner of Calvert Street and Connecticut Avenue (specifically 2602 Connecticut Avenue NW) in Northwest Washington, D.C., perched above Salon Roi near the Woodley Park Metro station.

Who painted the mural and when was it created?

The mural was painted by artist John Bailey and was commissioned in 1981 (though some sources cite 1980).

What is the history behind the mural's commission?

The mural was commissioned by Roi Barnard of Salon Roi, or by part-owner Charles Stinson as a 40th-birthday gift for co-owner Roi Barnard.

Is the mural a popular tourist attraction?

Yes, it is considered one of D.C.'s most iconic murals and a recognized landmark. It is a stop on the Old Towne Trolley tourist bus and is frequently reproduced on postcards, t-shirts, and calendars.

Has the mural been restored?

Yes, the mural has undergone multiple restorations, including one in 2001 funded by the Woodley Park Community Association and another managed by Pipkin Creative on behalf of Woodley Park Main Street.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Marilyn Monroe Mural in Washington, D.C.

What to know

The Marilyn Monroe mural is a celebrated public artwork and a recognized landmark in Northwest Washington, D.C. Located at the corner of Calvert Street and Connecticut Avenue, the monumental portrait gazes over a busy intersection in the Woodley Park neighborhood, perched high above Salon Roi. Commissioned in 1981 by Roi Barnard of Salon Roi, the piece was painted by artist John Bailey. Some records indicate that part-owner Charles Stinson commissioned the work as a 40th-birthday gift for co-owner Roi Barnard, adding a personal touch to this large-scale public image. Over the decades, the mural has required several restorations to maintain its vibrancy. It was restored in 2001 with funding from the Woodley Park Community Association. Additionally, James Hart, known as Jimmy, restored the mural twice, while more recent efforts have been managed by Pipkin Creative on behalf of Woodley Park Main Street. Today, the artwork is regarded as one of the oldest and most popular murals in the city. Its fame has led to the image being consistently reproduced on T-shirts, calendars, and postcards, and it remains a staple stop on the Old Towne Trolley tourist bus tours.

Visitor tips

Look up to see the mural perched high above the entrance of Salon Roi.
The mural is located near the Woodley Park Metro station for easy access.
Allow a few minutes for a photo op at the corner of Calvert Street and Connecticut Avenue.

Nearby context

The mural is a focal point of the Woodley Park neighborhood, situated at a busy intersection near the Woodley Park Metro station and directly above the legendary Salon Roi.