Over the Rainbow: Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers Break Record at $32.5 Million

Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz dazzled at auction, fetching a staggering $32.5 million, Heritage Auctions announced on Saturday. The shimmering footwear, among the most recognizable movie props in history, shattered the pre-auction estimate of $3 million and now holds the title of the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold.

The auction, held in Dallas, Texas, saw the final bid for the slippers reach $28 million, with additional taxes and fees pushing the total to $32.5 million. This extraordinary sale contributed to a record-setting total of $38.6 million for the Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction, which also included the Wicked Witch’s black hat, sold for $2.9 million.

“These ruby slippers are unmatched in their cultural and historical significance,” said Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auctions. “Their record-breaking sale underscores the profound impact of movie memorabilia on collectors and fans alike.”

The ruby slippers, one of four surviving pairs used in the 1939 film, were the centerpiece of the auction. The pair sold was worn during key scenes, including when Dorothy clicked her heels to return to Kansas.

A Storied Past

The slippers’ history is as remarkable as their sale. Designed by MGM Studios’ Gilbert Adrian, they became a symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age. After the film, this particular pair was housed in the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, until their mysterious theft in 2005.

Despite years of investigation and a six-figure reward, the slippers remained missing until 2018 when the FBI finally recovered them. The thief, Terry Martin, admitted to stealing the shoes, believing they were adorned with real rubies. Martin, 77, confessed in court and received a suspended prison sentence earlier this year.

Hollywood Legends and Other Pairs

The ruby slippers have captivated collectors for decades. One pair was purchased in 2012 by Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio, who donated them to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Another resides at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, while a fourth pair sold in 2000 for $666,000.

More Memorabilia on Offer

The auction also featured other treasures from The Wizard of Oz, including Judy Garland’s wigs, original posters, and photographs. Additionally, fans of Jumanji could bid on a wooden game board from the Robin Williams classic.

This record-breaking sale cements the ruby slippers’ legacy as a beloved symbol of cinematic history, proving once again that, in the world of memorabilia, there’s no place like the auction block.

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