Summer Day Trip: 'The Wizard of Oz' museum of memorabilia is just a ride up the coast

Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today

"The Wizard of Oz" aficionado Fred Trust took a chance opening a Cape Canaveral museum displaying his massive collection dedicated to the beloved franchise.

He recently celebrated two years of business as visitors from around the world continue to stop by the The Wizard of Oz Museum.

“We are small, but we are progressing because people love what we are showing them,” Trust said. “The fact that we survived and are doing great well, that tells me we are on the right path.”

Or at least the right yellow brick road.

Trust is quick to point out although the museum does have some original movie props, the goal is to show guests “the whole universe of 'The Wizard of Oz' beginning with the first book.”

The Immersive Experience at the Wizard of Oz Museum offers different scenarios: the tornado scene, Munchkin Land, mice save the lion from the poppy field, witch’s castle, poppy fields, dark forest and a very powerful James Webb telescope scene.
The Immersive Experience at the Wizard of Oz Museum offers different scenarios: the tornado scene, Munchkin Land, mice save the lion from the poppy field, witch’s castle, poppy fields, dark forest and a very powerful James Webb telescope scene.
The actual Winkie spear that was a prop in the movie is on display. The Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral has turned out to be a popular place for tourists and locals.
The actual Winkie spear that was a prop in the movie is on display. The Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral has turned out to be a popular place for tourists and locals.

He said he owns the first copy of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” on record. He said he bought the book, which was printed on May 23, 1900, at an auction about 15 years ago. Signed by Baum, Trust said the novel is worth $250,000 — but he considers the book "priceless."

His love for "The Wizard of Oz" began while attending elementary school in his native Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. Over the years his collection has grown to include: An August 1938 copy of the movie script, a waist-length reddish fox-raccoon jacket owned by Judy Garland, monogrammed with her initials JG and an oil painting by artist Natalia Babi of China Girl from the 2013 Disney movie "Oz the Great and Powerful."

The 4,500-square-foot facility has more than doubled the amount of display cabinets since opening. There are 46 cases filled with board games, figurines, masks, plates, autographed photos, costumes, plush dolls, posters, sheet music, even vintage collectible soaps shaped like the movie characters. Some artifacts date back to 1850.

There’s also a life-sized Wicked Witch of the West and a trio of flying monkeys. Guests can use their smart phone to scan a QR code for an audio tour.

Adjacent to the displays is a 2,000-square-foot room that features an immersive experience inspired by Vincent van Gogh. The roughly 30-minute show includes seven different scenes that transport guests into the world of "The Wizard of Oz."

An additional scene is expected to be added shortly.

Trust said guests of all ages often to come to the museum dressed in character. They start skipping as soon as they see the yellow brick road painted on the ground leading to the museum’s front doors and take pictures with the various props and memorabilia inside.

Fred Trust, owmer of the museum, is passionate about the museum, the movie and anything related to "The Wizard of Oz" or Frank Baum. The Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral has turned out to be a popular place for tourists and locals.
Fred Trust, owmer of the museum, is passionate about the museum, the movie and anything related to "The Wizard of Oz" or Frank Baum. The Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral has turned out to be a popular place for tourists and locals.

“I have seen a 70-year-old lady dressed up and a 2-year-old girl who came in dressed up as Dorothy,” Trust said. “A 90-year-old in a wheelchair got up and started walking down the yellow brick road. That’s what they grew up with, they become children again.”

If you go

What: Wizard of Oz Museum

Where: 7099 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral (Check before going. The museum is planning a move to U.S. Highway 192 in Osceola County, Florida Today reports)

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Tickets: $29.99 adults, $14.99 children

Info:wizardofozflorida.com, 888-949-6369

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida museum honors 'The Wizard of Oz' with movie, book artifacts

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