OZ Museum

Visit the world of Oz without taking the tornado house ride. Meet Dorothy, Toto and the whole gang (the scarecrow, tin man and the cowardly lion) as you follow the yellow brick road (you know you want to break out in song) to find the wizard. This Oz Museum is definitely a great stop from a road trip my husband and our little girl dog were taking, on our way to Kansas City. According to the friendly employee who greeted us, well behaved small dogs are allowed in this museum, however have to be carried or placed in a pet stroller (but it seems that dogs are allowed to walk around with you on leash in the gift shop). But there is also an option for your pet (and larger dogs) to stay in the office so you can visit (please don't leave your pets in the car). This museum was founded in 2004 and has over 20,000 pieces of Wizard of Oz related memorabilia, including rare artifacts like the original MGM 1939 movie production notes and props from the Broadway musical Wicked. The museum has more than 2000 items on display that rotate throughout the year with all their other items. Going through the museum, we learned a lot of very interesting facts about the movie and production. I had no idea that Wizard of Oz was part of a children's series written by L. Frank Baum. It was interesting to learn that there were 4 directors that worked on the film. Did you know that Shirley Temple was the first choice to play Dorothy? The first director actually dressed Judy Garland (who played Dorothy) in a blond wig and had her wear very heavy make up, similar to the look of Shirley Temple. But that was scraped when the next director came in. Also with the famous "Over the Rainbow" scene was originally cut from the preview of the movie by the studio chief. But one of the producers of the film had threatened to leave if he did not put that scene back in. Toto was also played by a female dog named Terry that initially had behavior problems. But worked with a trainer and became the beloved and well known dog that we know today. Judy Garland actually tried to buy Terry, but the trainer (who actually adopted Terry) refused. We spent close to 90 minutes in this museum, watching the videos to learn more about history and behind the scenes. We also read nearly every little description card. This museum truly was a great break from the road and such a wonderful visit. We enjoyed taking photos with the numerous of figures that are perfect for you to post on your social media and Yelp. After your visit, I would highly recommend you walk across the street to check out the "Yellow Brick Road", a fun (free) and cute little brief review of the storyline. And if you have time, check out the Oz Winery and Toto TacOz next door. Please note that there are clean restrooms in the gift shop. The museum cost $10 for adults ($9 for students and military) and $8 for children ($7 with military discount). Children 2 and under get in for free. Plenty of free street parking out front.

So, I went to Kansas for work. I knew I would have limited time to explore, but I wanted to check out at least one attraction. So, of course, when in Kansas, you think of The Wizard of Oz, or at least I do. Upon doing some research, I saw that there was an Oz Museum. Just to let you know, I enjoy watching The Wizard of Oz. I have no idea how many times I've seen it, but when it comes on, I will watch it like I've never seen it before. Anyway, on my last day in Kansas, we decided to take a trip to the museum; it was about 20 minutes from my work site. It was in a little small town. When we parked, I was super excited to go in and begin the fun. We were greeted by a sweet employee by the name of Sydney! She was so sweet. Sydney, if you are reading this, thank you for your warm welcome and making our trip one to remember. Tickets were only $10.00, and she gave us a little introduction before she opened the doors, and we did a self-guided tour through the museum. You can literally get through the museum in like 10 minutes if you are in a hurry, but we took about 30 minutes just to take things in, get photos, ready and just take it in. When I tell you I was excited to be there, I was excited. There is even a little movie theater you can go sit in and watch the movie. I enjoyed seeing the characters in person from the movie, learning about the cast, things that took place on set, and just reminiscing myself in an all-time classic! At the end of the tour, there's a gift shop with some really cool items. We bought t-shirts and other cool souvenirs. There was also like a hurricane funnel you could pay to enter to feel like you're just the tornado that is seen in the movie that turned the house upside down in the movie, but we couldn't figure out how to get it to work... lol. Man, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'm not sure if work will bring me back to Kansas, but this is a trip I'll never forget! I have so many pictures, so check them out below! And if you ever go to Kansas! Go to this museum!

We drove two hours from Missouri to visit the Oz Museum when visiting Kansas. Although it's a little simple the details of the statues and memorabilia make it all worth it. You can walk through it fairly quickly or take more time looking at all the museum holds. We loved it and were glad we made the trip. The cost is only $10 and they also have a souvenir shop to purchase items. There's a cute little walk way across from the museum as well you can walk through to look at more wall art. There's also a little cafe at the end of the road.

Growing up "Dorothy" means a lifetime connection to The Wizard of Oz. So when business brought me to Kansas, I had to take the 2.5 hour drive to the Oz Museum. Though small, the $10 entrance fee was worth that and so much more. The customer service was Exceptional!! I called ahead to make sure they would be open for my 3:30 pm arrival. The young lady was polite & let me know they would indeed be open until 5 pm. Parking was easy (free) and right in front. They have an Oz store you can shop before or after your adventure inside. The museum is informative and covers lots of things I didn't know about the movie (or books the movie was based on). If you go, be sure to pack a lunch for the ride there and check out The Yellow Brick Road across the street.

If you're ever traveling on I70 through Kansas, you have to stop. The museum is full of memorabilia along with life size figures. So much history included about the making of the movie including a 30 minute video narrated by Oz historian. The Wizard of Oz movie is also playing on a loop in small theater in back. Your ticket is good for entire day so you can leave and return if you want. Also, gift shop has lots of cute items including ruby red slippers.

Many people told us there wasn't anything to see in Kansas and we found it be quite the opposite! One of my favorite spots was the Oz Museum in the quiet town of Wamego. We were greeted by lovely and intelligent ladies, who seem to be students at the university nearby in Lawrence. I'll never forget the passion and sincerity as one of the staff members took us to Oz as part of entering the museum. She must give this speech a hundred times every day and yet I have the feeling that she's just as enthusiastic each time!The museum was awesome and it was so fun to see all the different items and take photos with the characters as well as in the hot air balloon. There is a small shop at the end/entrance with cute t-shirts especially for the museum, books, and toys. Highly highly recommended!

My friend and I are into odd, quirky, fun, little places, and this place did not disappoint. Everything you could possibly want to know about the movie, the books, the culture....

We drove 3 hours out of our way to see this museum. One of my wife's favorite movies and she just had to see it. Driving up and you can't miss it. Once you walk in you are greeted by some of the nicest people, ready to answer any question you might have. It is a self guided tour that can take you 5 minutes or 30 minutes depending on how much you choose to look at. You can even watch the movie within the tour. They have everything from all the original books and movie memorabilia, not just from the original movie but every iteration of Oz. Highly recommend taking a trip if you love the movies.

We stopped by here yesterday afternoon on a road trip, and decided to go in and check it out. We were greeted by a really friendly, helpful employee who's name I didn't catch. The outside of the building is really cool, and well kept. The inside is clean & organized too. The restrooms were spotless as well. It's definitely a cool place to go check out if you're in the area and the yellow brick road right across the street is a fun touch too!

This was amazing. It is a must stop . It brought back so many childhood memories. If I had any wizard of Oz stuff I would definitely donate it. I love the yellow brick road across the street. What a beautiful little town.