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News and Media covering Florida Wizard of Oz museum - Orlando

Fred Trust
Mobile: (410)530-3265
Email: [email protected]
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Wizard of Oz Museum brings immersive movie experience to Brevard County
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Magical Wizard of Oz Museum and Immersive Experience in Florida
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Fred Trust, Owner of Wizard of Oz Museum

USA TODAY

Fox 35 – Orlando. June 24, 2024

Wizard of Oz Museum moving to Osceola County

https://www.usatoday.com/videos/travel/2024/06/24/wizard-of-oz-museum-moving-osceola-county/74144882007/

 

Gotta go Orlando

May 17, 2024

10 Memorable Memorial Weekend Day Trips from Orlando

https://www.gottagoorlando.com/post/10-memorable-memorial-weekend-day-trips-from-orlando

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is the home of the Kennedy Space Center, the hub of the nation’s human space program. Also near the space center is Canaveral National Seashore, 24 miles of undeveloped beach with 1,045 plant species and 310 bird species.

For the kids and kids at heart, try the Wizard of Oz Museum, a celebration of all the classic’s enduring appeal

 

Travel+Leisure

June 2, 2024 by Terry Ward

I’ve Lived in Florida for 27 Years — and These Are the Best Affordable Beach Vacations in the State

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cheap-beach-vacations-in-florida-8655282

“The Wizard of Oz” fans will want to shell out a few bucks to pop into the quirky Wizard of Oz Museum, home to a private collection that spans decades of memorabilia
 

Stacker.com

June 18, 2024 

Highest-rated things to do in Florida

https://stacker.com/florida/highest-rated-things-do-florida-according-tripadvisor

Used by journalists and media as a reliable source for general statistics
 
#22 out of 30  of Highest rated attractions

RV-Lyfe

Abby Nelson. June 13, 2024 

12 Roadside Attractions for Your Summer Trip

https://rv-lyfe.com/12-roadside-attractions-for-your-summer-trip

Established by a Wizard of Oz memorabilia collector in 2021, this museum offers unique insight into the iconic film, with close proximity to Orlando, cruise ports, and much of the Florida bustle.

AOL

 

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

ARRIVAL

Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards. July 11.2024

The Wizard of Oz Museum

Congratulations on being selected as a finalist for the 2024 North American Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards! This award recognizes tour operators who have consistently delighted their customers by achieving TOP reviews on multiple online travel and experiences platforms.
 
 
These new awards recognize excellence in guest satisfaction for operators of tours, activities, and visitor attractions, based on independent, unbiased analysis of guest reviews across major online travel and experiences websites.
By aggregating customer data across seven leading travel experiences websites and millions of customer reviews, we’ll be able to identify—and award—the tour operators who are consistently wowing customers.
That means the Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards are totally impartial and independent, and solely data-driven—a first-of-its-kind award for the experiences industry.

LakeoNews

Okeechobee Lake news. July 29, 2024

Florida on a Tankful: Off to see the wizard!

https://www.lakeonews.com/labelle/stories/off-to-see-the-wizard,66562

World Atlas

8 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Florida

https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-underrated-small-towns-to-explore-in-florida.html

#2 COCOA BEACH

The Wizard of Oz Museum & Van Gogh, an all-time favorite attraction to the north, delights cinephiles and culture fans with art and collectibles from the screen, plus memorabilia at the large gift shop. Attracting families, sightseers, and nature lovers alike, this underrated town can make you guilty of an Instagram “overfeed,” so don’t post yourself getting pampered at one of its many spas.

Guide to Florida

Best of Florida 2024 – Winner – Museum category

August 31, 2024

The Guide to Florida magazine announced today the 2024 winners in various categories. The Wizard of Oz Museum is listed as a winner under the “Museums” category in Art and Entertainment.

https://guidetoflorida.com/best-of/winners/2024/arts-entertainment

Cunard Cruises

Cunard Cruise Company is the first to mention The Wizard of Oz Museum on its website as an activity in Port Canaveral.

https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/ports/port-canaveral-fl-usa

Wizard of Oz Museum

This quirky independent museum is a must-visit for fans of Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. Born out of one collector’s love of the movie, the museum now hosts the widest range of Wizard of Oz artifacts in America, including film props and costumes. It also offers an interactive exhibit that puts you directly into the heart of the action. Make your own journey along the Yellow Brick Road as sound and movement create the vivid sensation of being immersed into key scenes from this cinematic sensation that’s delighted audiences for decades.

Orlando Parenting

  • by Maria DiCicco

Free and Chip Museums for Kids in Orlando for thrifty family fun.

https://orlando-parenting.com/free-museums-in-orlando-kids/

Woman around town Magazine

Follow The Yellow Brick Road To The Wizard of Oz Museum, A Florida Must-See 

https://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/living-around/follow-the-yellow-brick-road-to-the-wizard-of-oz-museum-a-florida-must-see

Cape Canaveral offers a treasure trove of activities, but who would think this city on Florida’s Atlantic coast is also home to The Wizard of Oz Museum. Yes, The Wizard of Oz Museum, and, yes, it’s filled with everything you could imagine – and more — about the immortal classic movie which this year celebrates its 85th anniversary. Once guests walk through the emerald-green doors (but, of course), and view the hundreds upon hundreds of memorabilia, and replicas of costumes and props, and learn about the inspiration for author L. Frank Baum, one leaves more enchanted than before.  

Within the walls of the 5,000 square foot museum, visitors can easily spend up to two hours marveling at over 2000 items on display including rare copies of L. Frank Baum’s first printed Oz books, Dorothy’s actual blue and white dress, collector plates, life-size Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow, and even the flying monkeys. Tributes to the subsequent movie, The Wiz, and to the Broadway hit, Wicked, are also on display within the many cabinets that provide hours of enjoyment for those who remember the classic, and for those who may be just learning more about it. It’s really a museum for all ages, says the museum creator and owner Fred Trust, just like the over a dozen Oz books written by Baum. “When Baum was asked what age he wrote for,” explains Trust, “he replied by listing the letters he received…from a five-year-old who asked his older sister to write the letter; a 13-year-old; a woman who had just gotten married and grew up reading the books; and a 70-year-old couple.”

Two of the staff members we met on this day provided a lively introduction and the history of the museum, and reminders to allow ourselves time to enjoy and reminisce. Besides the many items on display, we also learn some interesting facts about author Baum, like how before he became an author, he was in the oil business. It may explain why one of his characters relied on a regular oiling now and then. Over the years, lively debate has come up about the political and cultural meanings which may have been the inspiration for Baum’s characters. For example, Dorothy represented the American people or their values; Tin Woodsman represented the industrial workers; Munchkins represented the common folk; and the Wizard of Oz represented the Washington politicians. In fact, the term “oz” has been connected to the gold weight measurement, which was a big issue at that time – the late 1800’s to early 1900’s — as it related to the monetary policies being introduced in Washington. 

Once the self-guided tour has been completed – helped along by detailed narrations accessed through QR codes — guests are invited to view an immersive film with a classical music soundtrack that plays in the state-of-the-art theatre. It runs for about 30 minutes and features a variety of scenes, some depicting colorful sights from Oz and other characters from the book series; we see a tornado swoop around that brings Dorothy’s Kansas home on its trip; and other vibrant scenes that are paired well with the music.  Trust is planning to add more Oz scenes which will take months to create, and for now has included a Van Gogh touch with some of the artist’s most famous flower paintings. 

Growing up in the former Soviet Union, Trust became interested in the Oz books, as he says, “It was how I learned English. Our teacher read the entire Wonderful Wizard of Oz book to the class over the course of a year.”  When he moved to the States, and had his own family, Trust wanted to read the Oz book to his kids but was so surprised at the number of other books Baum had authored and that a movie was produced so long ago and had become a national treasure.  After purchasing a few first edition Oz books, then Oz photos and other historic items, the collection took off and is now massive, unique and one-of-a-kind.  So, he decided to pursue an entrepreneurial dream to make the items available to the public, and two years ago, the museum opened its doors.  

If you’ve ever wanted to follow the yellow brick road, here’s your chance.

Travel and tour world

  • March 18, 2024

The Wizard of Oz Museum: A favorite family spot in Central Florida

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/the-wizard-of-oz-museum-a-favorite-family-spot-in-central-florida

The Wizard of Oz Museum in Florida is acclaimed for engaging visitors of every age, earning a nomination for Central Florida’s Best Family Attraction by WKMG-CBS in 2024. With a vast collection ranging from toys and memorabilia related to the iconic book and film, to immersive experiences, the museum caters to diverse interests, offering a rich visual and educational journey that impresses all who walk through its doors.

Its strategic location near major cities such as Orlando, Tampa, Kissimmee, and Cocoa Beach has contributed to its success, drawing a significant number of visitors from these areas, with Orlando and Tampa residents leading the charge. What sets this museum apart is its broad appeal, covering various subjects from art and music to everything in-between, making it a unique destination for families of all ages.

Unlike other museums that typically focus on a single theme—be it art, science, military, history, or children’s interests—The Wizard of Oz Museum encompasses all these elements, providing a multifaceted experience under one roof. This museum proves that size doesn’t define value; it’s the ability to capture and maintain the visitor’s interest that counts, ensuring a memorable and engaging visit regardless of the museum’s physical scale.

The introduction of traveler rankings on platforms like TripAdvisor has leveled the playing field for smaller attractions, allowing them to compete with larger institutions. The Wizard of Oz Museum stands out as a prime example, with its high rankings in traveler reviews despite its modest size and relatively recent opening. It challenges conventional museums by offering diverse experiences, leading it to rank highly not only as a children’s museum but also in art and specialty categories, showcasing its broad appeal and versatility.

The museum is celebrated for fostering a multi-generational visiting experience, inviting families to create lasting memories together. It offers a glimpse into the potential future of museums, potentially spearheading a shift in how cultural institutions are perceived and experienced, much like how “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” revolutionized literature at the turn of the 20th century.

Motherly

  • by Keri Setnicka

10 unique activities in Florida kids (and grown-ups!) will love

https://www.mother.ly/our-partners/planning-a-multigenerational-trip-to-florida/

Get immersed in multisensory art exhibits at the Wizard of Oz Museum

Explore larger-than-life immersive experiences at the Wizard of Oz Museum. Step into a world where realistic digital landscapes and enhanced storytelling take the classic tale to playful new heights. This incredible destination goes beyond Oz, offering immersive Van Gogh and Universe experiences that seamlessly blend fantasy, art, play and learning. Let imaginations flourish as kids envision skipping down the yellow brick road, swirling around Starry Night, or soaring through space in this unique and fun-filled activity designed for creative minds of all ages.

Downshiftingpro

15 Thrilling Activities on Florida’s Space Coast

https://www.downshiftingpro.com/15-thrilling-activities-in-floridas-space-coast/

The Wizard of Oz Museum

Published in 1900 by author L. Frank Baum “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is one of the most enduring children’s stories ever. Few locations will be as exciting to lovers of literature as this, an entire museum dedicated to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The museum features historic memorabilia, immersive experiences, and an animal scavenger hunt for children. 

16 Amazing Things To Do In Cocoa Beach

https://www.wanderlustchloe.com/things-to-do-in-cocoa-beach-florida/

Follow the yellow brick road to The Wizard of Oz Museum

Did you grow up loving watching Dorothy and co in The Wizard of Oz? Despite being a little dark at times, it’s a film I adored as a child. The Wizard of Oz Museum in Cocoa Beach is a celebration of much more than the iconic Judy Garland film. 

It features more than 2,000 items of memorabilia, from signed books, puppets and costumes, to collectibles such as teapots, Trolls and board games. I hadn’t even realised that author Frank Baum wrote 14 books in the Oz series, which was then continued by another writer.

There are some amazing items from the 1939 film here too, including props, movie scripts, autographs and one set of Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers!

One of the most impressive parts of the museum is the immersive room. This digital art experience features key moments from the Oz tales, brought to life through 3D graphics.

You can literally follow the Yellow Brick Road or walk through the field of poppies to the Emerald City. One of my favourite scenes involved the witch looking through a telescope, and viewing some of the amazing images from space captured by the James Webb Telescope.

As with some of the other digital art exhibitions around the world, this one also features a few scenes bringing Van Gogh’s art to life. We all loved this part of the museum. Even my one-year-old son was fascinated by the projections on the floor and walls.

Hometown News

  • Jun 12, 2024

Local specialty museum leaving Cape Canaveral

The Wizard of Oz Museum relocating more than 2,000 items to Orlando

https://www.hometownnewsbrevard.com/news/local/north_brevard/local-specialty-museum-leaving-cape-canaveral/article_5a96712e-0239-513e-9402-4820ca73fd23.html

TimeOut

Timeout – Orlando – Things TO Do. August 22, 2024 Written by Megan duBois

The best museums in Orlando for culture vultures

https://www.timeout.com/orlando/things-to-do/best-museums-in-orlando

Follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz Museum. The movie-themed museum is actually in Cape Canaveral, but worth the drive if you love the iconic film. The museum has over 2,000 pieces of memorabilia, including an iconic blue and white checkered dress worn by Judy Garland, first-edition books from the original series, and a pair of ruby slippers that were once displayed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios inside the now-defunct Great Movie Ride.

Time Out tip: The museum is completely self-guided and also features an immersive experience that casts scenes from the Oz books and movies onto the walls and floors. All of the immersive experience scenes are created by the museum owner himself.

Sun Coast family fun

By Elizabeth

15 Best Kid-Friendly Museums in Florida

https://suncoastfamilyfun.com/kid-friendly-museums-in-florida

While you’re in Cape Canaveral, you can also check out the Wizard of Oz Museum. The Wizard of Oz Museum in is easily one of Florida’s more unique kid-friendly museums.

Relatively new, it opened in 2021. Children (and kids at heart!) can go on a magical journey through the museum as they follow in Dorothy’s footsteps, interacting with hands-on activities. 

One of the museum’s highlights is the Immersive Experience, which allows visitors to feel like they’re inside some of the most famous scenes from the movie. For example, cows, tractors, and other flying debris swirl around you in the Tornado Scene. The museum’s impressive collection of 2,000-plus pieces of memorabilia, including many original movie props, is also a must-see. These items include one of Judy Garland’s original dresses, movie scripts, and signed contracts. 

Miles with Mcconkey

By Sarah Christie and Donna Vallance

Top Things To See & Do at the Florida Cruise Ports

https://www.mileswithmcconkey.com/top-things-to-see-do-at-the-florida-cruise-ports/

The Wizard of Oz Museum

The Wizard of Oz Museum is a true gem of an experience you will not want to miss. Explore movie memorabilia and go back through time to the Movie The Wizard of OZ. You will find props from the movie, figurines, books, and a ‘live feel’ video experience here. Located on Cocoa Beach, there are many other things to do nearby.

Family Destination Guide

By David Reeve

Experience The Magical World Of Dorothy At Florida’s Wizard Of Oz Museum

https://familydestinationsguide.com/florida-wizard-of-oz

As a travel guide, I’m always eager to show you the hidden treasures right under your nose.

Let’s whisk away to a wonder just beyond the space rockets’ shadow in Florida, where you’ll find a slice of classic Americana that’s as surprising as it is delightful—the Wizard of Oz Museum.

Oh, you’re in for a yellow-brick-road-sized treat!

Strayed just a tad from the land of oranges and beaches, tucked away where you least expect it, the Wizard of Oz Museum is a technicolor dream.

It’s perfect for the young-at-heart or actual young ones tagging along.

No flying monkeys, just smiles, and oodles of memorabilia that whisk you to Oz without leaving your ruby slippers behind.

It’s so cozy you’ll feel like you’re hugging Toto.

And don’t worry, we won’t run into any witches—unless you count the wickedly good ice cream shop down the road!

Just think, a sprinkle of that old movie magic is waiting in Florida, of all places.

Indeed, treasures often lie where you least expect them, hidden away in the nooks of our vast and varied country—a testament to the joys of exploring.

And for those with a heart for the whimsical, this museum might just sparkle brighter than Dorothy’s coveted slippers.

The moment you saunter into this enchanted establishment, the everyday fades, replaced by a technicolor tapestry as rich as the very film it honors.

Every cherished character, from brains-seeking Scarecrows to courageous Lions, is celebrated here, and they’ve paved quite the immersive pathway for you to follow.

Step through the doors and it’s like you’ve clicked your heels three times—voilà, you’re not in Kansas anymore!

Kids and grown-ups alike can skip along the Yellow Brick Road, mingling with Munchkins or even taking a selfie with Toto—if he sits still long enough, that is.

It’s a place where wizardry and wonder meet, where no one is too old to peek behind the curtain and where the flying monkeys are, thankfully, just a smidge less terrifying in person.

Bundle the family, grab your gingham, and let’s make some memories over the rainbow!

This isn’t merely a dusty corridor of memorabilia; it’s a realm where movie magic and nostalgists collide—in the best possible way.

Picture it: artifacts that speak of a history both cinematic and personal, props that whisper tales of a time when technicolor was new and astonishing.

Enter this trove of treasures and prepare for your close-up with nostalgia.

Every corner here is a delightful Easter egg—you might find Dorothy’s ruby slippers winking at you.

It’s the perfect spot for young’uns, old-timers, and every movie buff in between.

Sure, you might cross paths with the occasional Wicked Witch, but fret not!

They’re part of the charm, sure to incite both giggles and gasps, without an ounce of real malice, of course.

And, rest assured, no actual flying monkeys are employed on the premises.

Safety first!

If you’ve ever fancied a stroll down the yellow brick road, but without the hassle of pesky twisters, this is the spot for you.

The only tornadoes you’ll find here are the whirlwind of fun for kids and kids-at-heart alike.

Trust me; it’s all about heart, brains, and courage.

It’s a place where every day feels like you’re not in Florida anymore, in the best way possible.

Indulge in the magic, but remember, there’s no place like home—this comes in a close second, though!

But don’t think the spectacle is solely for the wide-eyed little ones tagging along beside you.

No, this domain captivates all ages with its blend of innocence and igniting that warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia for simpler Saturday mornings or cozy family movie nights.

There is more…

Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

April 26, 2024 By Patrick  Connolly

Central Florida’s Wizard of Oz Museum has ruby slippers, real Dorothy dress

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/04/26/central-florida-wizard-of-oz-museum-ruby-slippers-real-dorothy-dress-cape-canaveral/

————————- Images are omitted———————

A Central Florida attraction takes cinema fans for a stroll down the yellow brick road and a walk through the history of a beloved fantasy tale known worldwide.

The Wizard of Oz Museum on Cape Canaveral contains hundreds of movie memorabilia items, rare first-edition books from the original novel series and an immersive experience with animated scenes projected onto the walls and floor. The attraction also features authentic props from the movie, including a “Winkie Guard” spear, a Dorothy dress worn by Judy Garland, an Emerald City townsman jacket and a pair of ruby red slippers previously displayed in the queue for Disney’s Great Movie Ride.

While millions of people have watched the iconic 1939 film, many might not be familiar with the original series of books written by L. Frank Baum starting in 1900. These are what first got the museum’s owner, Fred Trust, interested in the fantasy world of Oz at a young age.

“I’m originally from the former Soviet Union. When I was a child in elementary school, the teacher read us a book, about 260 pages, throughout the whole year,” Trust said, recalling his memories of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” which he later read to his children. “I was a collector from the early 1990s, maybe even before that … Later on, I decided to open a museum because I got enough pieces that were unique from the perspective of the Wizard of Oz.”

Trust’s expertise started as he helped collectors track down and price out rare and first-edition Oz books with a collector’s guide, of which he sold thousands of copies. While Baum penned the first 14 novels, Ruth Plumly Thompson and other authors picked up his work after he passed away, ultimately completing a series of 40 books. After accumulating enough memorabilia, Trust found a public home to display his collection, inspiring the museum that opened in early 2022.

Inside the museum, visitors first step foot into a gift shop and welcome area before entering the exhibit space. Behind glass cabinets, guests can explore the history of Baum’s writing career before transitioning into displays full of Oz memorabilia, an original movie script, toys, Halloween masks, toys, plates, figurines, puppets and more.

With a self-guided audio tour, it’s easy to spend 30-45 minutes in the main museum space before entering the immersive experience, which is in a separate room with more than 30 projectors casting scenes onto the walls and floor. In this space, visitors can see original animated scenes inspired by the “Wizard of Oz” books and an immersive Van Gogh exhibit with a runtime of around half an hour.

While young guests can enjoy a scavenger hunt with their families, the attraction also offers a separate children’s area with games, pop-up books, the “Wizard of Oz” movie on the projector and other activities.

While Cape Canaveral has proven to be a suitable launching pad for this attraction, Trust hopes to move to Orlando someday to expand its offerings. Until then, visitors of all ages can find delight in exploring the pages of history and the yellow brick road on the Space Coast.

“I wanted to create something unusual,” Trust said. “This is an art museum, a children’s museum and a specialty museum all put together. This can accommodate anybody in some fashion.”

 

2023 Media mentioning the Wizard of Oz Museum

The Wizard of Oz Museum is mentioned on Forbes as a must-see attraction in Florida under the Travel section.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is # in the USA as an adult museum and is child-friendly on the Whichmuseum.com website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum was reviewed by the Family Destinations Guide.

The Wizard of Oz Museum review is mentioned on the  Happiest Travel on Earth website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is mentioned on the  Crazy Tourist website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum review is mentioned on the  Trip.com website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum was reviewed by the What Happening Florida website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is mentioned on the  Trips to Discover website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is mentioned on the A-Z Animals website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is mentioned on the cruise travelers ( SAVOTEUR) website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is mentioned on the Dine, Stay Discover website.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is mentioned on the Travelhop website.

Everything Brevard Magazine. August 1, 2023 By Lee Nessel, EverythingBrevard Managing Editor

Theres No Place to Play Tourist Like Brevard

https://www.everythingbrevard.com/blog/Business/Theres-No-Place-Like-Playing-Tourist-in-Brevard.html

We followed the yellow brick road all the way to Cape Canaveral.

It’s fun to play tourists in our own community and discover gems in plain sight. Three heel clicks for the Wizard of Oz Museum, which offers an unexpectedly delightful experience that spans literature, film, pop culture, technology, and immersive experiences that can only be found here on the Space Coast.

Let’s start outside: Driving up to the museum, the green paint instantly evokes Emerald City vibes. It’s a bit jarring pulling into a strip mall off N. Atlantic Avenue (and not a farm in Kansas), but once you step onto the yellow brick road as you approach the door, you’re quickly transported over the rainbow and it’s easy to imagine you’re not in Florida anymore.

I took my 10-year-old daughter for a fun outing, knowing she’d enjoy whatever we were about to find since she’d played a few roles on stage in the Wizard of Oz Junior musical when she was 5.

We immediately wanted to look at all the trinkets and memorabilia upon entering the gift shop lobby, but found focus when Manager Jacqueline Cummings welcomed us in and shared a verbal introduction to how the museum works.

I noticed a man watching over things, wearing a shirt from the museum, and didn’t learn until later when we chatted organically (I was on a family outing, not intending to write an article) that it was Fred Trust, the owner who masterminded his passion for the Oz stories into this one-of-kind attraction.

I did say Oz stories, plural. Like most, I had only known of the black-and-white-turned-color film. But Fred’s museum is what a passion for reading combined with imagination and determination look like. While the movie we all know was based on a book, there are indeed 40 Oz books, written by L. Frank Baum. 

My kiddo, and others we saw there, headed into the museum also with extra excitement, with the promise of a prize if they could find all the animals on a scavenger hunt paper.

Learning More About Literature

Fred developed a love of the Oz stories he read as a kid in Europe. When he moved to the U.S. at age 20, he discovered the Oz series. For 35 years, he built a collection of over 2,000 pieces of memorabilia, which fills half of the museum. He started with collecting the old books — some he offers for sale — and when guests starting asking for memorabilia from the famous movie, he elevated his searches.

He has an incredible collection of history, with four notable more recent additions: two items from the film — a spear and Emerald City green jacket — and one of the seven Dorothy dresses used during production. The latest gem just arrived on July 30, the ruby slippers that were part of the now closed The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

You can walk through and read information about the collection or indulge in the self-guided tour option, where you can use your mobile phone to scan a QR code on each case and hear Fred narrate history of the pieces, which date back to 1850.  

“This is theoretically American history,” Fred said about his museum. “People know about the 1939 movie but here they learn about the 1910 13-minute silent film, the 1902 Broadway show and so much more.”

Immersive Experiences Only Found Here

Once you digest the expansive world of Baum’s Oz, the back half of the museum is where you will experience a truly unique immersive experience. (Or you can start in the back and come to the memorabilia later — once you’re in, you’re in.) It was actually another Van Gogh immersive experience that provided the final inspiration for Fred to open his own museum. 

“Visiting the Immersive exhibit of Van Gogh (in Miami) gave me the idea to bring elements from the Oz books that were never made into the movie to life using immersive technology,” he said. “In my head, I was thinking how cool it would be to have an opportunity to skip on the yellow brick road toward Emerald City and be surrounded by poppies.”

Calling upon his experience as a computer engineer, Fred had a team of developers bring the little known world of Oz from those other 39 books to life in an immersive experience only found at his Cape Canaveral museum. Visitors actually get to enjoy three immersive experiences: 

  • Oz
  • Van Gogh
  • NASA’s James Webb Telescope images of the universe.

Let me declare that I could have spent the entire day in that room. And I wouldn’t have complained if they had the James Webb images on loop. I was mesmerized as my daughter danced to the music as she traveled through space and time. It was breathtaking and achieved the intended effect. We flew through the solar system and beyond.

Fred is nothing if not persistent. He said it took 6 months to develop just 1 minute of one of the Oz immersive scenes, building the specialty characters from scratch.

So, next time you’re looking for a way to escape the heat, learn some American literature history, travel to Emerald city or fly through space, this is the place.

Top Rankings

In about the year and a half since opening in 2022, the Wizard of Oz Museum has landed atop many city, county, state, and national rankings of attractions on various platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Facebook, and Groupon. The museum website shares the good news here

Travelers have ranked the museum No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of “Children’s Museums in the United States.”

Fred credits that to the various kids activities, including the scavenger hunt, and the multiple options in a kids area called the Munchkin room. The kids can interact with old Wizard of Oz toys, illustrations, and even watch the movie. Then, once inside the immersive experience room, kids can dance to the music and move along with the animated images.

Space Coast magazine front cover
Space Coast Living Magazine. March , 2023
Space Coast Museum
Brevard County Museum
Original Dorothy Dress

Wizard of OZ Museum 

At some point in your vacay, you’re going to be saying “There’s no place like home!” But before you do – be sure you check out the Wizard of OZ Museum in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Located on N Atlantic Avenue in Cape Canaveral, the museum features over 2000 pieces on display with original props from the famous 1939 movie. 

7/3/23

Looks like the Wizard of Oz Museum is considered an Orlando attraction based on the article “10 Tips to enjoy the vacation in Orlando spending little”.

https://www.travel3.com.br/comece-a-viajar/10-dicas-para-curtir-as-ferias-em-orlando-gastando-pouco

THE WIZARD OF OZ MUSEUM 

Speaking of unique museums, whether visitors take a tour of Florida’s east coast to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , or spend a day at the beach, it’s important to note that Cape Canaveral is home to the Wizard of Oz themed museum, the which has over 2,000 artifacts related to the books and movies. Admission is just $28.99 per person.  

Washington Post Today

June 29,2023

The Space Coast, Florida

To say that the ocean views on Florida’s Space Coast are out of this world is no exaggeration. The 72 miles of warm sand sweeping Central Florida’s Atlantic coast from the toes of Palm Bay to the top of Titusville are the only beaches in the country where you can watch rocket launches into space.

With the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station calling the Space Coast home, only an astronaut could get closer to a launch. It’s no surprise that surfers and paddleboarders watch the show from the swell – Cocoa Beach is one of the best surf spots in the area.

Cape Winds Resort in Cape Canaveral is a perfect midway point between Cocoa and the launch pads. These beachfront self-catered apartment rentals put you within 10 minutes of the Port Canaveral cruise-ship docks and family-friendly attractions such as Golf N Gator and The Wizard of Oz Museum.

Cocoa Beach, Florida – 5 Awesome Activities to Enjoy (travelguideline.net)

Learn About the Book and Movie at the Wizard of Oz Museum

One of the newest attractions in Cocoa Beach is the Wizard of Oz Museum. It opened in 2022 by a local citizen who has been collecting Oz memorabilia for 35 years (and counting!) You’ll see signed copies of books, toys, collectibles, and much more.

Each case contains collectibles and material from different time ranges, starting with the beginning of L. Frank Baum’s writing career and moving through the decades since then. If you have small children who might get bored while you explore, there’s a small room where they can play and still be within your sight.

Once you’ve seen all of the items collected, step into the Wizard of Oz immersive experience. This room is a 360-degree movie (plus the floor!) showing illustrated video scenes from the book that really makes you feel like you’re walking along the Yellow Brick Road yourself. This part is fun for adults and kids alike!

AMERICA Journal – Magazine for travel, lifestyle and culture in North America

In the city of Cape Canaveral, you can attend the Cape Canaveral Friday Fest on the first Friday night of every month. This offers a variety of food stalls, drinks and live music along Taylor and Poinsetta Avenues. To the north, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is a landmark that has watched over the cape for over 150 years.
Just south of the harbor, the Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral showcases a collection of artifacts from the film’s history, sending visitors on a nostalgic journey along the Yellow Brick Road. In the end, guests of the museum can expect an experience with scenes that do not appear in the film.
Many of the hotels in the region offer free shuttles to the cruise ships, making the cruise experience more relaxing.

Orlando to Cocoa Beach: Easy Florida Road Trips • Passport Stamps

If you like weird museums, this one is worth a stop too. The Wizard of Oz museum is a quirky, home grown fan gallery for all things Dorothy and Co. It’s very low budget, but the owners have lots of personal merchandise on display, some passionate commentary and a surprisingly impressive immersive room, allowing you to skip along the yellow brick road. The disappointing thing is, it’s pretty expensive ($30 entry for adults), so you’d probably only go if you really loved the movie.

Visit the Wizard of Oz Museum today

“The museum displays over 2000 Wizard of Oz Memorabilia pieces with original props from the famous 1939 movie. Through the self-guided tour, visitors learn about the universe of Oz, which consists of 40 official Oz books, and the movie that we all love, partially based on the first book written 40 years before the movie production.”
The Wizard of Oz museum Space Coast
Fred Trust
Museum Founder