Oz Plaza

Long before The Wizard of Oz became one of the most beloved films ever made, audiences in Wisconsin were among the first anywhere to see it. On August 12, 1939, the movie had one of its special pre-release test screenings at Oconomowoc’s historic Strand Theater as MGM gauged audience reactions before the film’s nationwide release later that month. Today, that little-known piece of Hollywood history is celebrated at Oz Plaza, a downtown landmark just steps from where the Strand once stood.

Unveiled in 2019 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the screening, Oz Plaza features a giant mural, along with life-size statues of Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, and a section of the iconic Yellow Brick Road. The striking mural was painted by Joe Boysa of Dynamic Faux Finishes and his daughter Lauren, whose original concept sketch was created when she was only 16 years old. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz, interested in Wisconsin film history, or simply looking for a unique roadside photo stop, Oz Plaza offers one of the state’s most unexpected connections to classic Hollywood.