Judy Garland’s legendary ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz have achieved a historic milestone, selling for an astounding $28 million at auction, with fees and taxes bringing the total to a staggering $32.5 million. This sale not only marks a new high for The Wizard of Oz memorabilia but also secures the slippers’ place in history as the most expensive piece of entertainment memorabilia ever sold.
A Rare and Iconic Piece of Film History
The ruby slippers, worn by Garland as Dorothy in the beloved 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, are among the most recognizable artifacts in cinematic history. Of the four surviving pairs of slippers from the movie, these particular ones are widely considered to have been featured in some of the most famous scenes, including the iconic “We’re Off to See the Wizard” sequence.
Originally valued at $10 million, the slippers exceeded all expectations during their auction at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, with the final bid surpassing $28 million. The auction attracted worldwide attention, and it quickly became clear that these slippers, once worn by Garland in her unforgettable role, would be the centerpiece of a historic sale.
Judy Garland’s famous Ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ have reportedly sold for $28 million at an auction. pic.twitter.com/hQZh0Rzjtx
— Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) December 8, 2024The Auction Event
The live auction on December 7, 2024, was a spectacle in itself, filled with playful references and nods to the Wizard of Oz universe. At one point, the auctioneer crouched in the style of the Wicked Witch of the West, calling out to bidders in an engaging and lively manner. Bidders, many communicating via phone, escalated their offers in large increments, sometimes raising the bid by $800,000 or more. The atmosphere was electric as the slippers pushed past expectations, eventually reaching the record-breaking figure.
Other Wizard of Oz memorabilia was also up for grabs, including a hat worn by actress Margaret Hamilton, who portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West. This piece alone sold for nearly $3 million. These items added to the allure and excitement surrounding the auction, and collectors and fans were eager to own a piece of Hollywood history.
The Slippers’ Storied Past
Beyond their cultural and cinematic significance, the slippers have an extraordinary backstory that has added to their mystique. The pair auctioned off was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in August 2005, an event that shocked fans and collectors alike. For over a decade, the slippers were missing, with the case remaining unsolved until 2018, when the FBI conducted a successful sting operation in Minneapolis, recovering the slippers.
The stolen slippers were returned to their rightful owner, Michael Shaw, earlier this year, and Shaw subsequently decided to sell them at auction. The recovery of the slippers after more than a decade of mystery only added to their allure, making them all the more valuable when they finally went under the hammer.
Terry Martin, a Minnesota man who was later convicted for the theft, believed the slippers were made with real rubies and planned to sell them for profit. However, the slippers were made with glass rhinestones, not rubies. The long journey of the slippers, from theft to recovery, only enhanced their value and made them even more fascinating for collectors and fans.
Record-Breaking Sale
The sale of the ruby slippers shattered the previous record for entertainment memorabilia, which was held by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic subway dress from The Seven Year Itch. Monroe’s dress fetched $5.52 million at auction in 2011, but this sum was easily eclipsed by the $28 million bid on Garland’s slippers. The final tally for the slippers, including taxes and fees, brought the total price to a jaw-dropping $32.5 million.
Heritage Auctions expressed their pride in the record-breaking sale, with Joe Maddalena, the auction house’s executive vice president, commenting that there was “no comparison” between Garland’s slippers and other pieces of Hollywood memorabilia. The sale reflects the deep cultural impact of The Wizard of Oz and the timeless appeal of Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy.
A Look at Other Auction Items
The auction wasn’t just about the slippers. Several other pieces of The Wizard of Oz memorabilia also attracted significant bids. Among them was the Wicked Witch’s hat, which sold for nearly $3 million. The auction also included producer Mervyn LeRoy’s personal copy of the script, which went for $50,000, as well as a screen door from Dorothy’s Kansas home, which sold for $37,500.
One particularly noteworthy item was Garland’s “Dorothy Gale” wig, worn during the first week of shooting, which fetched $30,000. Additionally, the MGM contract signed by the songwriters of the iconic “Over the Rainbow” earned $23,125. These items, while not fetching the astronomical amounts of the slippers, added to the rich tapestry of memorabilia that continues to captivate fans of the film.
The Judy Garland Museum’s Involvement
The Judy Garland Museum, where the slippers were originally displayed before being stolen, had been working to raise funds to purchase the slippers back during the auction. They had even received $100,000 from the Minnesota Legislature to help in their efforts. However, the museum quickly realized that they would not be able to win the bid, given the enormous sums being offered. Executive director Janie Heitz expressed her understanding, saying, “It’s kind of closing the book on a chapter of the ruby slippers for us, and that’s OK.”
While the museum did not secure the slippers, they did manage to purchase a painting depicting the moment when the Wicked Witch attempts to steal Dorothy’s slippers. The funds raised from the Minnesota Legislature will be returned to the state, while donor contributions may be used for other museum projects, including the possibility of creating a Wizard of Oz-themed miniature golf course.
The $32.5 million sale of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers is a testament to the lasting impact of The Wizard of Oz on popular culture. From their role in one of the most famous films in Hollywood history to their dramatic theft and recovery, these slippers have become a symbol of cinematic history. Their record-breaking auction price not only reflects their importance as a piece of film memorabilia but also reinforces the enduring legacy of Garland’s beloved character, Dorothy, and the timeless magic of The Wizard of Oz.
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