Smithsonian to lend Dorothy's ruby slippers to London

Judy Garland's iconic slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" are leaving the United States

Published October 4, 2012 12:25PM (EDT)

    (Navita / Shutterstock.com)
(Navita / Shutterstock.com)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Dorothy's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" are leaving Washington on their first international journey to London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

Judy Garland wore the shoes in the 1939 film in which she played a Kansas farm girl on a magical journey. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History announced the rare loan of its popular slippers Thursday.

They will be shown with Dorothy's blue-and-white gingham dress in "Hollywood Costume," an exhibit opening Oct. 20 in London. Curators say it's the first time Dorothy's dress and shoes have been together since the movie was filmed.

To make the slippers, a designer dyed the shoes red and attached netting to cover them with red sequins.

The Smithsonian plans to hold a departure ceremony Tuesday.

© 2012 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Judy Garland London Museums Ruby Slippers Smithsonian Uk United Kingdom Wizard Of Oz