I too was horrified that this iconic gown was shuffled up the stairs of the Met, certainly undergoing some wear and tear, with embellishments being dislodged and fabric sweat-stained. But I disagree with your opinion that Marilyn is less well known for her talent and beauty than for her Kennedy connections. I believe most young people have a notion of JFK as a president and no knowledge of hs brother. Yet they all recognize Marilyn, still the most famous female image in the world. The reason the Warhol Marilyn was just auctioned for $195M was not because of the Kennedys (and only partially due to Warhol) but because the painting is of Marilyn Monroe.