14 Famous Celebrity Memorabilia That Was Misplaced or Destroyed

Celebrity memorabilia often holds incredible value and cultural significance. However, not all these cherished items remain safe over the years. Many iconic pieces have been lost, stolen, or destroyed. These incidents leave fans and collectors heartbroken, as these relics can never be replaced. Here, we explore some of the most notable celebrity memorabilia that disappeared or met an unfortunate fate.

Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz – Stolen

The iconic Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz were stolen from a museum in Minnesota in 2005. This particular pair was one of four existing slippers used during filming. Thieves broke into the museum’s display case and made off with the prized shoes. Despite numerous leads and years of investigation, the slippers remained missing for over a decade. They were eventually recovered in 2018, but the mystery of the theft remains unsolved. Their disappearance had left fans shocked and devastated.

Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress from The Seven Year Itch – Lost in Auction Handling

Marilyn Monroe’s Dress from The Seven Year Itch (1955) — Image Editorial Credit: pop culture geek / Wikimedia Commons

Marilyn Monroe’s famous white dress from The Seven Year Itch became a symbol of her iconic status. The dress was sold at auction in 2011 for millions. However, it was mishandled during post-auction shipping and went missing. Auction organizers searched extensively, but the dress was never recovered. The loss saddened collectors and Monroe enthusiasts alike. Its disappearance remains a major unsolved mystery in Hollywood memorabilia circles.

Jimi Hendrix’s Fender Stratocaster Guitar – Lost in Transit

Jimi Hendrix’s Fender Stratocaster, which he played during his legendary performances, was lost during a shipment between tour venues. The guitar was a key part of Hendrix’s signature sound. After his death, the guitar became even more valuable. However, while being transported for a tribute exhibit, it vanished without a trace. Despite extensive searches, the guitar remains missing, much to the dismay of music fans worldwide.

Elvis Presley’s Cadillac – Burned in Warehouse Fire

Elvis Presley owned many Cadillacs, but one of his favorite models was tragically destroyed in a fire. Stored in a warehouse along with other valuable cars, the Cadillac perished in a blaze. The fire consumed much of the vehicle collection, causing a significant loss. This particular Cadillac was notable for being custom-built to Elvis’s tastes. Its destruction marks one of the greatest losses in Elvis memorabilia history.

Michael Jackson’s Thriller Jacket – Missing from Storage

Michael Jackson Thriller Jacket — Image Editorial Credit: Mic JohnsonLP / Wikimedia Commons

Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket, worn in one of the most iconic music videos of all time, mysteriously went missing from storage. The jacket had been on loan for various exhibits and events. However, at some point, it was misplaced during the transportation process. Many attempts to recover the jacket have been made, but it has yet to resurface. Its loss is a significant blow to fans and collectors alike, as it represents a crucial moment in pop culture.

Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s Black Dress – Damaged Beyond Repair

Audrey Hepburn’s black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the most recognizable fashion pieces in film history. Unfortunately, the dress suffered severe damage while in storage. Improper care led to its fabric deteriorating beyond repair. Restoration efforts failed, and the dress could not be saved. This incident was a massive blow to fashion history and Hepburn fans, as it was an iconic symbol of her elegance and style.

Kurt Cobain’s Guitar from MTV Unplugged – Stolen from a Private Collection

Kurt Cobain’s acoustic guitar, famously played during his MTV Unplugged performance, was stolen from a private collection. The guitar had been passed on after Cobain’s death and became a treasured piece of music history. Despite tight security measures, thieves managed to break into the collection and take the guitar. Law enforcement launched an investigation, but the guitar has not been recovered. Its theft remains one of the most tragic losses in rock history.

The Maltese Falcon Prop from The Maltese Falcon – Stolen from Warner Bros. Archive

The Maltese Falcon statue, used in the classic 1941 film The Maltese Falcon, was stolen from Warner Bros.’ archive. The prop had become legendary, symbolizing the entire genre of film noir. Stored securely for years, it mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Investigations pointed to an inside job, but no suspects were ever caught. The prop’s theft left a gap in Hollywood history, as the original piece has yet to resurface.

James Dean’s Car, Little Bastard – Disappeared After Transport

James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder, nicknamed Little Bastard, vanished while being transported after his fatal crash. The car, involved in Dean’s tragic death, became notorious for its supposed curse. After being loaned for a safety exhibit, the vehicle mysteriously disappeared in transit. No wreckage or parts were ever found, sparking legends around its fate. This eerie disappearance has added to the car’s infamous legacy. Decades later, the mystery remains unsolved, leaving many to wonder where Little Bastard ended up.

Andy Warhol’s Art Collection – Misplaced in Storage Transfer

Andy Warhol’s personal art collection went missing during a storage transfer. His collection included not only his own works but also valuable pieces from other artists. During the process of moving the artwork between warehouses, the entire collection was lost. Various galleries and collectors attempted to locate it, but to no avail. The loss devastated the art world, as Warhol’s personal collection was considered a significant cultural asset. Its disappearance remains a mystery, with its fate still unknown.

Bruce Lee’s Game of Death Jumpsuit – Stolen from Archive

Bruce Lee’s famous yellow jumpsuit from Game of Death was stolen from an archive. The outfit became one of his most recognizable costumes. After Lee’s death, the jumpsuit was stored along with other memorabilia for future exhibits. However, thieves broke into the archive and took the prized jumpsuit. Despite efforts to recover it, the item has never resurfaced. Its loss was a significant blow to martial arts fans and collectors worldwide.

John Lennon’s Iconic Round Glasses – Lost During Museum Transit

John Lennon’s iconic round glasses, which he wore frequently, were lost during a museum transport. These glasses became synonymous with Lennon’s image as a cultural and musical icon. While being moved between exhibits, they mysteriously disappeared. Museums and collectors searched extensively but never recovered the item. The loss saddened fans of Lennon, as the glasses symbolized his legendary career and personal style. They remain one of the most significant pieces of lost music memorabilia.

Jim Morrison’s Paris Grave Marker – Stolen Multiple Times

Jim Morrison’s grave marker at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris has been stolen numerous times. Fans and collectors frequently targeted the grave, hoping to take home a piece of rock history. After the first theft, a replacement marker was installed, but it, too, vanished. The cycle continued, frustrating authorities and fans alike. Despite enhanced security measures, the marker continues to be a target for thieves. The repeated thefts add a layer of mystery and intrigue to Morrison’s legacy.

Prince’s Iconic Purple Rain Guitar – Lost in Warehouse Fire

Prince’s iconic Purple Rain guitar, a symbol of his legendary performances, was tragically lost in a warehouse fire. This custom-made guitar, featured in many of his concerts, held deep personal and musical significance. The fire consumed several of his instruments stored in the same facility. Despite attempts to salvage the damage, the guitar was completely destroyed. Fans and collectors mourned its loss, as it was one of the most cherished pieces from Prince’s career.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.