This collection features Harold Arlen’s Oscar from 1940 for 'Over the Rainbow,' along with other significant contributions to American music, such as Oscar-nominated songs and a rare self-portrait of George Gershwin sent to Arlen.

Among the collection are 35 manuscript items, draft song lists, and notable items like the original lyric sketch for 'Over the Rainbow,' which begins with the line 'Someday I'll wish upon a star,' revealing its creative origins.

Nickolas Brown-Cáceres, acting chief of the Library's Music Division, highlighted that 'Over the Rainbow' was nearly cut from the film but was ultimately retained after creator advocacy, emphasizing its importance.

The most notable item is the handwritten lyric sketch for 'Over the Rainbow,' which closely resembles the final version but was initially written as 'Some day I'll wish upon a star + wake + find the darkness far behind me,' revealing the song’s creative process.

The Library of Congress has acquired a rare collection of artifacts related to the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz,' including manuscripts, drafts, correspondence, and the only known lyric sketch for the iconic song 'Over the Rainbow.'

The song 'Over the Rainbow,' which won an Oscar for best original song, has been recorded by numerous artists and is considered one of the greatest and most timeless songs of all time.

The artifacts will be displayed at the Thomas Jefferson Building from October 23, 2025, to January 7, 2026, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the original 'Wizard of Oz' book.

This exhibition will showcase the manuscripts, sketches, and correspondence, highlighting the significance of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg's contributions to American culture and music.

Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, the creators of 'Over the Rainbow,' were inaugural recipients of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Johnny Mercer Award, recognized for their profound influence on American music.

The acquisition underscores Arlen’s impact on American music, with the collection including other iconic songs like 'Stormy Weather,' and expanding the Library’s extensive musical archives.

Anyone over 16 can view these items at the Library of Congress, which considers this collection an important part of national heritage.

'Over the Rainbow' is regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time, ranked highly on various lists, and has been covered by numerous artists, including Ariana Grande and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.