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World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

Jun 30, 2023
World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

Wamego, Kansas, United States--With over 2,000 items, the Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas, United States, showcases one of the largest private collections of Oz collectibles and memorabilia in the world, spanning over 123 years of Oz history; with four galleries, eight alcoves, and 20 display cabinets, all bursting with Oz artifacts from all over the world, the collection sets the world record for being the World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"With over 2,000 items, the Kansas Wizard of Oz Museum showcases one of the largest private collections of Oz collectibles and memorabilia in the world, spanning over 123 years of Oz history!" the We’re Not in Kansas Anymore says.


"Their collection of Oz-related artifacts includes 1st edition Wizard of Oz books by L Frank Baum, hand prints from some of the original munchkins, and more Oz related items than you can see in a day.


"top 10 items inside the museum

1-Munchkin jacket from the 1939 MGM film
2-Flying Monkey miniatures, used in the movie the Wizard of Oz
3-1st Edition Wizard of Oz. The Museum is in possession of a first Edition of the 1900 “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” book
4-Woozy Doll, made by L. Frank Baum
5-Original MGM 1939 movie production notes
6-Stage props from the Broadway Musical “Wicked”
7-Death certificate signed by the original Munchkin Coroner
8-Yellow brick from Baum’s military grade school
9-Gloves of Munchkin Nita Krebs
10-Lullaby League’er Olga’s Vaudeville travel kit & Costume
(according to the “Welcome to Oz Brochure”)

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"The Oz Museum opened last fall in the heart of Wamego’s business district and is the newest installment honoring the state’s connection of L. Frank Baum’s ageless fairy tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The book that started it all, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was self-published by Baum in 1900 and has since sold over seven million copies worldwide," the Kansas Tourism says.


"The museum features the collection of Wamego native Tod Machin who began collecting Oz memorabilia in the early 1980s while attending Kansas State University. With over 2,000 pieces, the collection is now out where everyone can marvel at the worldwide appeal of the story of Dorothy Gale, and her little dog Toto, and their travels through Oz and back.


"With four galleries, eight alcoves, and 20 display cabinets, all bursting with Oz artifacts from all over the world, there’s plenty to see and experience. Narratives are located near the displays, outlining the history of the book and other interesting tidbits and facts about Oz and its creation."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz, you’ll get your thrills in Wamego, KS! As you already know, Wamego’s very own OZ Museum houses the largest collection of privately owned memorabilia in the world, but the OZ experiences don’t stop there. An outsider would suggest that the small town of less than 4,605 people, has a common theme – The Wizard of Oz, making Wamego an Oz lovers paradise," the Oz Museum says.


"Home to exclusive exhibits featuring over 2,000 rare artifacts dating from 1900 to present day, this museum is full of exciting pieces that were in the original 1939 movie, and so much more. Take a guided tour through the museum or self-guide your way through various exhibits where you’ll find historical facts about the movie, actors, Oz memorabilia and more.


"When you’re done walking in Kansas, down the yellow brick road, and through the haunted forest, visit the gift shop - your one stop shop for all things OZ. The store sells a wide variety of items including clothing items, jewelry, snow globes, board games, books, movies, home décor, etc."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"Be transported to the yellow brick road at the OZ Museum in Wamego," the Visit Wamego says.


"Guests will start their journey in the sepia-toned Auntie Em’s Gift Shop; pass through the screen door and into the technicolor world of Oz.


"Follow the path of the yellow brick road throughout the museum and view over 100 years of Oz history. Rare Oz artifacts such as original MGM 1939 movie production notes and props from the Broadway musical Wicked are also on display."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"The movie was based on the children's fantasy novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," written by Lyman Frank Baum and first published in 1900," The Topeka Capital Journal says.


"Seizing on the ongoing popularity of the film, and nearly everyone's familiarity with it, the OZ Museum was opened 16 years ago at 511 Lincoln St. in downtown Wamego, a Pottawatomie County town of around 4,500 people located on K-99 highway about six miles north of Interstate 70, and some 45 miles northwest of Topeka.


"The museum contains thousands of artifacts related to the "Wizard of Oz" film and has special events throughout the year, from fan festivals to live performances to a marathon road race in and around Wamego."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"The Oz Museum now has the largest permanent public display of Oz artifacts in the world, and it's in a town of less than 5,000 people," the Roadside America says.


"Visitors enter through a lobby that's monochrome, like Kansas in the 1939 movie. You pay admission through Dorothy's brown farmhouse window, open the sepia-colored screen door, and emerge into dazzling Munchkinland, with the colorful feet of the dead wicked witch sticking out from under the other side of the house.


"If you're wondering how an entire museum could be filled with paraphernalia from a 1939 movie, you don't know Oz. It was a popular book series and marketing bonanza long before Judy Garland walked the Yellow Brick Road."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz describes the adventures of Dorothy, a little girl from Kansas, in the magical land of Oz. In the book’s and movie’s introductions, a tornado whisked her from her gray Kansas life into the Technicolor world of Oz.


"Baum wrote the book in 1900, while the Great Plains was experiencing hard times, including repeated dust storms. However, when Dorothy lands in Oz, she longs to return to her home. If Dorothy lived in Kansas now, she could visit Oz at any time, no Ruby Slippers required," the Roxie on the Road says.


"Baum never specified where Dorothy, Uncle Henry, and Aunt Em lived in Kansas. So Wamego, an hour and a half west of Kansas City, decided that they could be the Home of Oz. The Oz Museum opened in Wamego during 2003. It holds the world’s most extensive Oz collection."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

"The OZ Museum is dedicated to all things Oz, from the very beginning through today – over 100 years of history! Exhibits display memorabilia from the author, L. Frank Baum’s life and writing, as well as movie props and other Oz-themed collectibles. Historical facts and other behind-the-scenes tidbits are sprinkled throughout the museum," the Behind Every Day says.


"So my favorite fun fact I learned at the museum was about the tornado. The tornado in the film was 35 feet tall and made of muslin, sewn together with piano wire. (People had to be a lot more creative before CGI, that’s for sure!) It was attached at the top of the stage and moved back and forth at the bottom to create the spinning storm seen onscreen.


"Believe it or not, this cinematic tornado made it into the Top 100 Weather Moments. The Wizard of Oz tornado was #55 on the list! You can watch the two minute clip all about what was for most people, the first tornado they had ever seen. This makes sense given the annual replay of the movie on television and how infrequent real-life tornadoes are in a lot of places. Even though I lived in the midwest as a young child, this cinematic tornado was probably my first tornado too."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

Reviews from TripAdvisor

"Nice presentation on Frank Baum's master piece, the Wizard of Oz. The town of Wamego is nice too. Supposedly Oz was inspired by the town. Worth a stop on the long drive thru Kansas. Cost a few dollars but the museum is non-profit."

"We LOVED this! If you are a fan of the movie this is a must see!!! Authentic items from the movie along with reproductions, information on the actors, etc. Plus the whole town is a must see - Toto statues painted by different artists, a Yellow Brick Road between two buildings with murals on the walls, plus the town itself is adorable. And everyone is SUPER nice (but we find that to be a Kansas thing)."

"Really cool place, especially if you’re from KS. LOTS of neat artifacts that are all well displayed.
A person should rewatch the movie before going through the museum so you can really remember all the characters & the storyline. You can watch the movie at the museum, too. They’ve really got some special items in the museum. It’s not large but worth your stop in this small town!"

"A delightful museum with all things Oz. See life size characters, authentic and reproduction costumes, an enchanted forest, with lots of signed photos, play bills, promos, and books by L. Frank Baum. Interesting historical info about the stars (including Toto), and those who missed out (like Shirley Temple.)"


"This is a little gem. The Museum in Wamego, KS has over 40,000 items from The Wizard of Oz, from the poster for the 1902 stage musical to artifacts from Wicked and more. It's a lovely place and the staff couldn't be more accommodating."

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: world record in Wamego, Kansas

World’s Largest Collection of Oz Memorabilia: Wamego, Kansas


Address: 511 Lincoln St, Wamego, KS, United States, Kansas
Directions: You can find us just off I-70 on Kansas Highway 99 on "The Road to OZ."
Facebook: OZ Museum
Admission: Adults (ages 13 and up) $10.00 | Children (ages 3-12) $8.00
Phone: 1-866-458-TOTO (8686)
website: https://ozmuseum.com/

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