Over 50 years since her death, Marilyn Monroe is still as much an American icon as she was in the 1950s and 60s.  Arguably the world’s most famous pin-up girl, Monroe’s status as a sex symbol is unprecedented.

Last week at the Sumo Gallery in TriBeCa, a dazzling collection of rare Marilyn Monroe photographs were unveiled to the public for the very first time.  Taken between 1952 and 1956, the photos capture the blonde bombshell basking in the spotlight during the golden years of her short but storied acting career.

Five photographers snapped the brilliant shots: Thomas "Doc" Kaminski, who documented the making of The Misfits; Allan "Whitey" Snyder, Monroe's longtime personal makeup artist; Milton Greene, the famed celebrity lensman; Lani Carlson, who had the opportunity of trailing Monroe for an evening when 20th Century Fox released the song "Marilyn"; and Mischa Pelz, a close friend of Monroe's whose photographs haven't been seen in nearly 60 years.

The Sumo Gallery is located at 37 Walker Street between Church and Broadway. Prints from 'Marilyn: The Lost Photos' are available for purchase until August 21^st by appointment only.  This extraordinary opportunity is a can't-miss for all fans of 'Norma Jeane.'

Photos courtesy of the Sumo Gallery