Marilyn statue dismantled in Chicago

CHICAGO, May 8 (UPI) -- The "Forever Marilyn" statue in Chicago, which depicts the actress pulling her dress down in "The Seven Year Itch," has been dismantled for transport.

The statue, which was designed by artist Seward Johnson and installed between Tribune Tower and the Chicago River on Pioneer Court last fall, drew a crowd of about 100 onlookers to watch it being dismantled Monday night to make room for a new sculpture that has not yet been announced, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.

Jenee Castellanos, associate curator of the Sculpture Foundation, which owns Forever Marilyn, said the sculpture, which was considered controversial for its exposed legs, fulfilled its purpose on the Magnificent Mile.

"It is a conversation-starter," Castellanos said. "Part of the reason why the artist creates work is for people to think about what they are seeing and what it means to them."

The statue will be moved to a new city for display, the Sculpture Foundation said.