Miss Universe 1961 , the 10th Miss Universe pageant , took place on 15 July 1961 at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach , Florida , USA .
Miss Universe 1961 , the 10th Miss Universe pageant , was won by 24 - year - old Marlene Schmidt of Germany . 
 It took place on 15 July 1961 at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach , Florida , USA .