What Are Dorothy's Ruby Slippers
Dorothy's ruby slippers are the iconic shoes worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. They are made of sequined red satin with red leather soles and bows, designed to sparkle on screen. The slippers symbolize home and the journey from Kansas to Oz.
History and Origin
Multiple pairs were created for the film because of the demands of early Technicolor and constant use. The most famous pair, known as the "traveling pair," was donated to the Smithsonian Institution. According to the Smithsonian, the slippers are among the most recognized film artifacts in the world.
Value and Collectibility
Dorothy's ruby slippers are highly valuable because of their film history and scarcity. In 2024, one pair sold at auction for several million dollars, setting a record for movie memorabilia. Authenticity, provenance, and condition heavily influence the price of any surviving pair.
Where to See Dorothy's Ruby Slippers
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History displays the most well-known pair in Washington, D.C. The museum rotates the slippers on display to protect them from light damage. Visitors can view them in the entertainment history collections.
Learn more about the Smithsonian's entertainment collections.
