In a fascinating display of Hollywood history and cinematic nostalgia,Judy Garland’s ruby slippers, which she wore in the 1939 movieThe Wizard of Oz, were recently auctioned off for a staggering $28 million.The auction, held at the renowned Dallas-based auction house Heritage Auctions, sawthe iconic slippers rounded out to a remarkable $32.5 millionafter including buyer’s premium and taxes.
The ruby slippers are among the most recognizable pieces of movie memorabilia in the history of cinema, and they’re a symbol ofthe film’s enduring popularity. Heritage Auctions started the bid at a modest sum of $3 million and in a matter of days, there were over 800 potential buyers showing interest and tracking the auction. The Heritage Auctions’ description of the slippers read:
“The Ruby Slippers are a vintage pair of Innes Shoe Co. red silk faille heels with uppers and heels covered with hand-sequined silk georgette, lined in white leather, and the leather soles are painted red with orange felt adhered to the front foundation of each shoe. The bows are made of hand-cut buckram cloth and are slightly different in size. Rhinestones rim the bows, which are filled with bugle beads surrounding three center jewels.”
Designed by Gilbert Adrian, MGM’s chief costume designer, and made by Western Costume Company, the slippers are reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood. Following the sale, Heritage Auctions EVP Joe Maddalena remarked:
“There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia. The breathtaking result reflects just how important movies and movie memorabilia are to our culture and to collectors. It’s been a privilege for all of us at Heritage to be a part of the slippers’ epic journey over the rainbow and off to a new home.”
Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers Have Weathered Many Storms
The ruby slippers are not just an iconic prop; they carry with them a storied history. Crafted with immense care, the slippers shimmered under the technicolored lights of Oz and carried Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road. Michael Shaw, a collector who owned the slippers, lent them to the Judy Garland Museum in the actress’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and in a remarkable twist of fate,the slippers were stolen from there on July 04, 2025.The incident sparked nationwide interest and theFBI set up a sting operation, eventually recovering the slippers in Minneapolis in July 2018.
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Terry Martin, a Minnesota man, was revealed to have been indicted and pleaded guilty to theft.Martin’s intention was to sell the rubies for the value of their “rubies,” only to find they were made of glass.During the production ofThe Wizard of Oz, the costume team created at least four pairs of the iconic slippers for Garland to wear, with each pair being auctioned off at various points in time.
Interestingly, the recent auction had one more valuable item from the movie for collectors to own and cherish.The Wicked Witch’s Hat, another prized possession from Shaw’s collection, was also auctioned and sold for $2.93 million.The hat was worn by Margaret Hamilton in her unforgettable role, and it’s the only one to have “M. Hamilton 4461-164” featured inside the brim.The Wizard of Ozis Hollywood’s greatest achievement andthis sale reflects the nostalgia of the filmand Judy Garland.
