A larger-than-life sculpture of Marilyn Monroe has arrived safely in New Jersey after a cross-country trip by flatbed.

The 26-foot-tall “Forever Marilyn” by sculptor Seward Johnson was shipped in pieces from Palm Springs, California, to the Grounds for Sculpture, where it will go on view starting on May 4.

The 17-tonne stainless steel-and-aluminium sculpture depicts Monroe in her memorable billowing skirt pose from the 1955 movie The Seven Year Itch.

Its display will be part of an exhibit honouring its sculptor. He is also the founder of the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, just outside the state capital of Trenton.

The exhibit will end on September 21.