Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Depart From Smithsonian

WASHINGTON (AP) -- One of the most popular items at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington is being taken off display for a special loan to a London museum.

Dorothy's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" will have a special departure ceremony Tuesday. They are being sent on their first international trip to be part of an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

They will be shown with Dorothy's blue-and-white gingham dress in "Hollywood Costume," an exhibit opening Oct. 20. Curators say it's the first time Dorothy's dress and shoes have been together since the movie was filmed.

The slippers have been on almost continuous display at the Smithsonian since they were donated to the museum. They return to the Smithsonian display on Nov. 21.

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