Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- Stolen Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” sell for record $28M at auction
- Total cost reaches $32.5M with auction house fees
- Recovery comes after dramatic 2005 museum heist and 2018 FBI sting operation
+ Dive Deeper
Quick Brief
Essential Context
A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz” has set a new movie memorabilia record at auction. These iconic shoes, recovered from a 2005 theft, represent one of only four known surviving pairs from the film.
Core Players
- Heritage Auctions – Dallas-based auction house
- Judy Garland Estate – Original owner of slippers
- Judy Garland Museum – Minnesota institution where theft occurred
- FBI Art Crime Team – Led recovery operation
Key Numbers
- $28M – Winning bid amount
- $32.5M – Total price with buyer’s premium
- 13 years – Time slippers were missing (2005-2018)
- 4 pairs – Known surviving Ruby Slippers from film
Full Depth
The Catalyst
The slippers disappeared in a dramatic 2005 heist from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The FBI recovered them in 2018 through an undercover sting operation.
Inside Forces
Heritage Auctions marketed these slippers as the “holy grail” of Hollywood memorabilia. Their provenance and recovery story significantly boosted their value.
Power Dynamics
Competition among major collectors and institutions drove the record-breaking price. The anonymous buyer gains ownership of one of cinema’s most recognized artifacts.
Outside Impact
This sale establishes a new benchmark for movie memorabilia pricing. It surpasses previous records for film props and costumes.
Future Forces
The sale could trigger increased security measures for remaining pairs. Other major Hollywood artifacts may come to market seeking similar valuations.
Data Points
- 1939: Original film release
- 2005: Theft from Minnesota museum
- 2018: FBI recovery operation
- 2024: Record-breaking auction
- $3M-6M: Previous auction estimates
The extraordinary sale price reflects both the slippers’ iconic status in American culture and their dramatic recovery story. This transaction sets new precedents for both movie memorabilia valuation and cultural artifact security.
