WASHINGTON (AP) - Dorothy's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" are being removed from a Smithsonian exhibit to be conserved.

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Curators say the famous shoes are old and need to be prepared for a future display at the National Museum of American History. The last day to see the slippers in their current exhibit is Wednesday. They will return to public view April 5 in a new exhibit called "American Stories."

The slippers were donated anonymously to the museum in 1979 and have been on display almost continuously since.

The 1939 movie's costume designer altered red shoes by attaching netting on their tops and heels and covering them with red sequins. Curators say they were made quickly and cheaply.

While the shoes are gone, "Oz" will be represented by the Scarecrow's hat.