Where Are Dorothy's Ruby Slippers
The shoes sit in a climate-controlled vault. They are fragile. They are famous. They are missing several sequins. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and where are dorothy's ruby slippers.
The Short Answer: The Smithsonian's Vault
The ruby slippers live at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. They are part of the permanent collection.
You cannot just walk up and grab them. The museum stores the pair inside a secure, oxygen-free case. The glass protects them from light damage and humidity.
A Brief History of the Slippers on Screen
The Wizard of Oz premiered in 1939. The studio needed something that would shimmer on black-and-white film. The prop department painted ordinary shoes with red sequins.
Several pairs were worn by Judy Garland during filming. The most famous pair is the “Arabentine” style with curved heels. Five or six surviving pairs exist today.
The 2005 Theft and FBI's Role
Someone ripped the shoes from their display in Minneapolis in August 2005. The theft sent shockwaves through the museum community.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation took the case. Authorities recovered the slippers from a motel dumpster. The perpetrator faced federal charges for violating the National Stolen Property Act.
Why the Slippers Are So Fragile
The sequins are made of plastic. The felt soles have deteriorated over decades. Conservators treat every handling as a risk.
The museum limits public viewing time specifically because the dye on the fabric continues to fade. Light exposure is the number one enemy.
Visiting the Slippers in Person
The National Museum of American History is free to enter. The shoes rotate in and out of the exhibition space.
Before planning a trip, check the museum's current exhibits page. Availability changes without much notice due to conservation needs.
Planning Your Trip to D.C.
- Location: 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC. - Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. - Security: Bag checks are mandatory at the entrance. - Proximity: The Smithsonian Metro stop is steps away.
The Missing Pair and Other Surviving Sets
Not all known pairs are on public display. The museum owns the most recognizable pair. Another set sits in a private collection.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences holds a surviving pair too. These shoes have never been exhibited publicly.
Where to Find Official Updates
The Smithsonian's own website offers the most accurate status updates on the artifact. You should check there before making a special trip.