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ABOUT

"The Wizard of Oz is a book & a movie propelled by magic & adventure & anchored in a search for identity. The 4 main characters – Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, & the Cowardly Lion – already have within themselves what they seek.  It takes time & effort & their collective & mutual support to realize their innate abilities."
- John Fricke, OZ Historian

THE MUSEUM

The OZ Museum is dedicated to all things OZ, offering an experience that attracts visitors from around the globe. The OZ Museum is home to exclusive exhibits featuring the unimaginable, from the earliest Baum books and OZ Parker Brothers board games to today's collectibles, which can be purchased from the Official OZ Museum Store. It is an enchanting experience appropriate for all ages. 

“We came all the way from Australia. It was worth it!” 

- The Bear Family 

HISTORY

So how did it all get started? Well, as Dorothy says, “there’s no place like home”. What words could be more appropriate when describing the dream of a small community that literally built a museum out of a rainbow's notion? It took the brains of a small group of leaders, the heart for what L. Frank Baum began in 1900 as a simple children's book, and the courage to take on the task of constructing a home for over 2,000 artifacts dating from 1900 to present day.

BUILDING THE OZ LEGACY 

The OZ Museum was built with a major grant from the State of Kansas and the generosity of the people of this small community, who also provided thousands of hours of volunteer time. Today, the OZ Museum still heavily relies on the support of its loyal fan base and donors. To be a part of the OZ legacy, visit the membership page to learn how you can get involved and help preserve our tribute to the legendary world of OZ. 

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT

The OZ Museum is kept alive through a team of highly motivated Volunteers. From organizing our annual OZtoberFest to maintaining the characters, murals and interactive exhibits to helping us provide our guests an excellent experience. We wouldn't be the same without them. We are proud to be Accredited with Service Enterprise, thanks to a highly dedicated team of staff and volunteers alike!

EXHIBITS

Photo courtesy of Ryan Bolger

Come Explore Over 2,000 OZ Artifacts

Experience the many exhibits the OZ Museum has to offer. You will find detailed historical facts about the movie and actors, OZ memorabilia, and so much more!

The OZ Museum houses more than just memorabilia from the famous 1939 MGM musical starring Judy Garland! It encompasses earlier silent films, one of which starred none other than Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy fame) as the Tin Man as well as "The Wiz" starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

In fact, the OZ Museum also showcases over 100 years of OZ history, from the 1st edition L. Frank Baum books to the most current collectible pieces.

"It’s amazing to see childhood memories come to life!
– Bob & Stephanie Kowel

SHOWPIECES

At the OZ Museum you’ll journey down the yellow brick road and through the land of OZ. Our visitors’ favorite OZ artifacts and experiences include:

• The hand jeweled ruby slippers, covered in over 3,500 Swarovski crystals, created by artist Jeffery Merrell to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the making of the movie.
• A reproduction of the Haunted Forest sign that warns Dorothy and her companions to “turn back” in the now classic MGM film, The Wizard of Oz.
• Doors and windows from a munchkin house, used on the set of the film, The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz. Its release date was May of 2005 and starred Ashanti as Dorothy Gale.
• W.W. Denslow’s 24 color illustrated pages from the 1st edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), along with exclusive OZ memoirs.
• Various hand-painted character masks, even flying monkey miniatures used in the movie Wizard of Oz, and OZ toys such as a Woozy Doll made by L. Frank Baum.
• TV, Broadway musical, and movie memorabilia, including original movie posters and rare autographs by original actors playing Auntie Em and Uncle Henry.
• Rare OZ artifacts such as original MGM 1939 movie production notes, death certificate signed by original Munchkin Coroner, Ray Bolger’s (the original Scarecrow actor) passport, and gloves of Munchkin, Nita Krebs.
• Yellow brick from Baum’s military grade school, props from the Broadway musical Wicked, and much more!

EVENTS

OZtoberFest

Follow the yellow brick road to Wamego, Kansas — home to the award-winning museum that showcases costumes and props from the original Wizard of Oz film; a phenomenal local winery featuring a variety of Oz-themed wines such as Squished Witch and Drunken Munchkin; and Wamego’s beloved Toto’s Tacoz, which cabinets a unique Mexican-style menu including entrees like Auntie Em’s Nachos. It only makes sense that one of the country’s largest Wizard of Oz celebrations happens right here, in the heart of downtown Wamego! This annual event each fall brings together Oz-lovers from around the world with live music, costume contests, food, arts and crafts, and exclusive vendors. Meet special guests including passionate collectors, Oz historians and authors, and enjoy the small-town aspect of this huge festival!

For event-specific information, please visit:
VisitWamego.com OZtoberFest on Facebook