A must stop for all "Friends of Dorothy"...the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas!

Following the Yellow Brick Road:
A Visit to the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

By Rolando Chang Barrero

The video will be posted soon on YouTube:

If you ever find yourself driving through Kansas, there’s one stop you absolutely cannot miss: the Oz Museum in Wamego. Tucked into a small town along the rolling prairie, it’s a treasure trove for anyone who grew up with The Wizard of Oz or simply appreciates a slice of Americana that still sparkles with magic.


For me, visiting was especially nostalgic. Back in the late 1980s, I had the chance to work on the original Hollywood exhibition at the Center for the Fine Arts in Miami (now home to Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design) when it first opened. I still remember uncrating costumes, production stills, and set pieces, marveling at their history before they were installed for public view. Walking into the Oz Museum decades later, I felt that same thrill all over again. Much of what’s on display—whether original memorabilia or carefully assembled reproductions—echoes what I once handled and helped share with the world.

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The museum itself has the kind of charm you only find in small-town gems. It’s not slick or overproduced—it’s heartfelt. You can tell the people behind it love this story and its legacy. From rare first editions of L. Frank Baum’s books to pop-culture nods across the decades, the museum covers the Oz universe in a way that feels both comprehensive and fun. The ruby slippers sparkle, the Wicked Witch looms, and there’s something delightful to see at every turn.

What really impressed me was the mix of nostalgia and discovery. Families wandered through with kids wide-eyed at Dorothy and Toto, while adults smiled at memories stirred by seeing familiar costumes or hearing a snippet of “Over the Rainbow.” It reminded me that The Wizard of Oz isn’t just a film or a book—it’s a cultural touchstone that connects generations.

For friends of Dorothy who are planning a Kansas road trip, this is a must-see stop. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple detour into a highlight of your journey. Whether you grew up watching Judy Garland on TV or you’re just curious about a story that still resonates worldwide, the Oz Museum in Wamego will pull you right back over the rainbow.

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