The iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz have made history, selling for an astounding $32.5 million at an auction on Saturday, December 7. These shoes, once stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 2005, now hold the title of the most valuable piece of movie memorabilia ever sold.
One of only four known surviving pairs used during the filming, the slippers were described by Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena as incomparable in the world of Hollywood collectibles. “There’s truly nothing else like them,” Maddalena stated in a press release. “This remarkable result underscores just how deeply movies and their memorabilia resonate with collectors and culture alike.”
The auction began with an opening bid of $1.55 million, but the price skyrocketed as 25 eager bidders competed for the treasure. In the final moments, only two bidders remained, with the winning bid coming via phone. The final hammer price, including auction house commissions, exceeded all expectations—nearly 11 times the pre-auction estimate of $3 million.
A Legacy of Legendary Value
Over the years, other pairs of ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz have surfaced at auction, but none have come close to the record-breaking price achieved this weekend. Back in 2000, a pair sold for $666,000. Later, Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio purchased another pair for $2 million, which they generously donated to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Heritage Auctions’ Vice President for Public Relations, Robert Wilonsky, emphasized the significance of this recent sale: “At $32.5 million, these slippers are not just Hollywood artifacts—they’re cinema’s crown jewel. This sale marks the most successful entertainment auction in history.”
More Than Hollywood Memorabilia
For many, the ruby slippers represent more than just a prop from a beloved film. Rhys Thomas, author of The Ruby Slippers of Oz, reflected on their cultural impact. “These shoes are far more than a piece of Hollywood history. They’ve come to symbolize innocence and hope for generations of Americans,” he remarked.
A Remarkable Recovery
The journey of this particular pair of slippers is as fascinating as their value. Originally lent to the Judy Garland Museum by collector Michael Shaw, the slippers were stolen in 2005 under mysterious circumstances. They remained missing for over a decade until a 2018 sting operation in Minneapolis finally recovered them, much to the relief of fans and historians alike.
Now, these legendary shoes have not only been restored to their rightful place as cultural icons but have also set a new benchmark in the world of entertainment memorabilia.