BENDIGO Art Gallery staff and volunteers take pride in seeing the reactions of visitors to the Marilyn Monroe exhibition.
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The exhibition is partnered by Twentieth Century Fox and opened in March.
Since then thousands have climbed the gallery steps to see dresses, costumes and artifacts owned by Monroe.
Bendigo Art Gallery senior curator Tansy Curtin said it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the exhibition.
“When you’re working on something so long and being so close to project, to have it here and have people enjoying it is so positive,” she said.
“I have had thankyou letters from people who enjoyed the exhibition and learned so much and enjoyed coming to Bendigo.
“Last weekend I was giving a talk to a group from Leadership Victroria and someone asked 'how does Bendigo do this?'
“It's not about the gallery, it's about the town and seeing shops that love having something to do with Marilyn and basically saying ‘we're with you’.
“It’s lovely to have that community support.”
As well as community support, staff members have heard stories of people including Bendigo in their visits to Victoria.
Gallery staff member Merrin Ashton has been working at the exhibition since it opened and has loved hearing visitor feedback.
“Some have travelled such a great distance to see the exhibition,” she said.
“One couple had incorporated this exhibition into their trip from France. They were touring Australia, had heard of the exhibition and wanted to make sure they saw it.
“There have also been many busloads of people who might not be in Bendigo for (the gallery) but are including it on their trip or tours.”
Gallery staff member Charlie Munday was excited to get involved with the exhibition.
“I have always loved the art gallery and been to most of exhibitions that have come through here,” he said.
“A lot of people can't believe how professional and well curated it is.
“Even the professionals coming from Sydney or Hobart, and the gallery owners and directors who visit are really impressed with a regional art gallery doing something you expect to see in capital cities.”
Ms Curtin said she believed the Marilyn Monroe exhibition was producing close to the gallery’s best numbers.
“I think it’s doing really well. We never seem to have a quiet day,” she said.
“Lenders (who lent pieces to the exhibition) said it is biggest and best Marilyn show they have been to and been involved in.
“You can't get a much better tick of approval than that.”