Flying Over Kansas Toto?

New Oz Museum Opens in Kansas
with over 2,000 items displayed from the book and movie
 

WAMEGO, KANSAS....."There's no place like home.  There's no place like home."  Who hasn't clicked their heels just like Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz movie, in the hope of being transported back to a place where colorful dreams come true?   Well, neither a wizard or ruby slippers are now required to visit the wonderful world of Oz.

A short drive to Wamego (located 70 miles west of Kansas City near Interstate-70), and the new Oz Museum, is all that's needed to visit Dorothy, Toto and all the characters and wonders of the world-wide phenomenon that's Oz.

The newly opened Oz Museum, 511 Lincoln, houses one of the largest private collections of Oz memorabilia in the world.  The collection is that of Wamego native Tod Machin, and consists of over 2,000 items not only from the 1939 MGM released "The Wizard of Oz" movie starring Judy Garland, but of the worldwide appeal of Frank L. Baum's  classic children's story.

Open the door of the remodeled 1880's mercantile building on the main street of town and walk into the Gale family farmyard.  Then, step through the front door of Dorothy's sepia-toned house and into the Technicolor world of Oz and the museum that consists of four galleries, eight alcoves and 20 display cabinets.  Each is filled with books, toys, photographs, pages from scripts, posters, clothing and a sequin from Dorothy's original pair of ruby slippers.  

Other displays contain limited edition Oz dolls, the dress Diana Ross wore in The Wiz, a number of products inspired by Oz and its characters and Wizard of Oz books from around the world, including Japan, Spain and Russia.

According to museum curator, Jim Ginavan, there's something for everyone at the museum. "I hope people find it's not just about the movie, but it's about everything that's Oz," Ginavan said. "We will continue to collect and add to the museum. This is a living museum that will continue to grow.  And, just like the movie, the museum and our programs are designed to span the ages."

Wamego's connection to the Oz story doesn't end at the museum.  In many ways Oz begins just down the street at the Columbian Theatre.  The historic theatre at 521 Lincoln houses several murals from the 1893 Columbian Exposition and World's Fair.  The fair was referred to as the "White City" and, with its elaborate walkways and ornate exhibits, became the inspiration for Baum's creation of the Emerald City of Oz.

The Oz Museum is located in the heart of downtown Wamego at 511 Lincoln and is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.  Admission is $7 for age 13 and up, $4 for age 4 -12, and those under 3 are free.  Phone 1-866-458-TOTO.