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    On display

    Iconic Marilyn Monroe 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress comes to Dallas

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Jun 3, 2026 | 4:12 pm
    Marilyn Monroe dress

    Marilyn Monroe's iconic 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress is going on display at Ripley's in Grand Prairie.

    Photo by Eric Kayne, AP Images for Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

    The dress worn for the most famous (or, infamous) rendition of "Happy Birthday" in American history is going on display in Dallas-Fort Worth. Marilyn Monroe's iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" gown will be showcased at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Grand Prairie for a limited time, beginning Friday, June 5.

    The display coincides with what would have been the legendary actress and pop culture icon's 100th birthday. Monroe was born June 1, 1926 as Norma Jeane Mortenson.

    The sparkling gown became part of entertainment lore on May 19, 1962, when Monroe wore it while singing "Happy Birthday" to U.S. President John F. Kennedy at his 45th birthday gala and fundraiser at Madison Square Garden. She shimmied onstage, shed a white fur coat to reveal the sparkly skin-tight dress, and delivered a sultry, breathy "Happy Birthday."

    Afterwards, JFK said to the crowd, "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way."

    Many historians believe Kennedy and Monroe had a romantic relationship.

    Notably, Ripley's in Grand Prairie is just about 12.5 miles from the JFK Memorial and Sixth Street Museum in downtown Dallas.

    Designed by French-born costume designer Jean Louis, the sheer dress was embellished with more than 6,000 hand-sewn rhinestones and created the illusion that Monroe was wearing almost nothing at all — a daring fashion statement that helped cement the "Happy Birthday" moment in pop culture history.

    The dress is considered one of the most famous garments ever worn. In 2016, Ripley's purchased it for $4.8 million, a price that at the time made it the most expensive dress ever sold at auction.

    In 2022, they loaned it to Kim Kardashian to wear to the Met Gala. It was reportedly returned with some missing crystals and stretched seams.

    View this post on Instagram
    A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)

    Visitors to the Grand Prairie museum will be able to see the gown up close, along with additional memorabilia tied to Monroe's life, career, and legacy, an an exhibition called "Happy 100th Birthday, Marilyn Monroe."

    "Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognizable icons in pop culture history," Ripley Entertainment regional manager Rachel Rotella said in a statement. "With visitors looking for unique experiences across North Texas this summer, this is a rare opportunity to see Marilyn Monroe's dress that represents one of the most unforgettable moments in Hollywood history."

    The Monroe display is included with regular admission to Ripley's, which features hundreds of oddities, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. The exhibit opens June 5 and will be on display for a limited time.

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    Revving up

    State-of-the-art Velocity racing simulator lounge zooms into Dallas

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Jul 20, 2026 | 1:10 pm
    ​Velocity Sim Racing Lounge
    Rendering courtesy of Velocity
    Velocity Sim Racing Lounge is opening on North Central Expressway at Walnut Hill in Dallas.

    A new "eatertainment" venue devoted to virtual racing is revving up for North Dallas: Called Velocity Sim Racing Lounge, the concept combines high-tech driving simulators with a full restaurant and bar.

    Velocity is located at 9830 N. Central Expwy., Ste. 400, at Walnut Hill in The Hill shopping center, in the former Camp space. According to a release, it will celebrate with grand opening festivities on Saturday, July 25.

    Dallas is the second location for the Texas-based Velocity, after a Houston venue opened in 2025.

    Designed for everyone from first-time drivers to dedicated enthusiasts, the venue features a "Racer" - a beginner-friendly motion-enabled simulator - all the way up to an "Ultimate" - a full-throttle premium rig for the highest-intensity immersion available, the website says. It's the only "Ultimate" in Texas. There are also two-seat race cars available.

    Racers can choose from a number of cars (i.e., Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport or McLaren 570S GT4) and multiple track destinations (i.e., Monza in Italy and Zandvoort in The Netherlands).

    While the racing simulators are the main attraction, Velocity is designed as much for socializing as competition, with more than 30 racing rigs, a large video wall where guests can watch races in real time, and a central bar for cocktails, food, and watch parties.

    “Velocity is all about building community through a shared passion for cars and racing,” founder Viet Tran says in the release. “The simulators will bring people through the doors, but it's everything around them that makes them stay. We’re creating an environment where people can connect, share a great meal, celebrate milestones and be part of something bigger than what's happening behind the wheel.”

    The Dallas location also puts an emphasis on food, with a menu that includes:

    • Warm Feta Dip
    • Crispy Coconut Shrimp
    • Mediterranean Steak Tacos
    • Angus Flatiron & Frites
    • Crispy Avocado Tacos
    • Cauliflower Wings
    • Apple Turnovers

    “Whether someone is joining us for a family outing, catching up over dinner, attending a themed event or chasing a spot on the podium, we want every visit to feel different,” Tran says. “We're proud to see that vision come to life in Dallas and excited to be a part of the community.”

    Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge Racing at the Velocity Sim Racing Lounge in Houston. Courtesy of Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge

    Velocity is designed to be family-friendly, the owners say, despite the fact that it has "Lounge" in the name, and that a bar is the central design feature. The website features mostly photos of adults eating, drinking, and racing, and it does not specify recommended ages.

    A spokesperson for Velocity clarifies to CultureMap: "The team generally recommends the experience for guests ages 10 and up. It's not intended as a kids-only venue. Practically speaking, the recommendation comes down to the simulators themselves. Guests need to be at least 5 feet tall to comfortably reach the pedals, and anyone under 17 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver before racing. As a result, the experience is generally best suited for older kids and adults."

    Hey, maybe they'll add that important information to the website.

    The grand opening will begin at 10 am July 25 with a car meet, live DJ, and the venue's first sim racing tournament. Qualifying rounds run from 10 am-12:30 pm, with the championship race taking place from 1-1:30 pm. Entry fees for the tournament start at $25.

    Guests will receive a complimentary branded keychain while supplies last, and hourly raffles will award T-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise. Following the tournament and awards ceremony, regular service begins at 2:30 pm. Reservations are available online, and walk-ins are welcome.

    Following the grand opening, hours will be 12 noon-11 pm Monday-Thursday, 12 noon-midnight Friday, 11 am-midnight Saturday, and 11 am-10 pm Sunday.

    Memberships are available starting at $99 per month.

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