By Nakiwala Barbra
A pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz have shattered records, selling for an astonishing $28 million (£22 million) at an auction in Dallas.
Known as the “Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia,” the sequined shoes became the most valuable piece of movie history ever sold at auction, far surpassing their original estimate of $3 million (£2.35 million).
The iconic slippers are one of only four surviving pairs used during the filming of The Wizard of Oz. They hold a unique place in cinematic history—not just for their association with the beloved film, but for their extraordinary journey, which includes a 13-year mystery after being stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota in 2005.
In the theft, professional burglar Terry Jon Martin smashed a glass case and made off with the shoes, mistakenly believing they were encrusted with real rubies due to their insured value of $1 million. But his plan unraveled when he tried to sell them, discovering the sparkling sequins were merely glass. Unsure of their true worth as a piece of American culture, Martin gave the shoes to someone else, disappearing into obscurity.
The slippers were finally recovered in 2018 during an FBI sting operation, but what happened during the 13 missing years remains a mystery. “The theft and recovery have become part of their legend,” said John Kelsch, curator of the Judy Garland Museum. “The slippers are more than sequins—they’re an American treasure.”
The auction coincides with renewed interest in The Wizard of Oz, fueled by the release of Wicked, a prequel to the original story. Garland, who was only 16 when she starred as Dorothy, captivated audiences with her performance, and the film remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved classics.
Interestingly, the iconic ruby slippers were originally silver in L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. They were changed to red in the film to showcase the new Technicolor technology, creating a visual masterpiece that has endured for generations.
As the gavel fell on this record-breaking sale, applause filled the auction room, celebrating not only the value of these legendary shoes but the enduring legacy of one of cinema’s most magical films. For fans of Dorothy’s timeless journey home, the ruby slippers are far more than footwear—they’re a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unforgettable power of storytelling.
