AOIF and The Museum of Broadway Launch Digital Experience Celebrating ‘50 Years of The Wiz’
Never-before-seen scenic artwork by designer Tom H. John unveiled in new immersive tribute!
The Arts of Imagination Foundation (AOIF) is proud to announce a partnership with The Museum of Broadway to debut a new digital experience honoring Fifty Years of The Wiz and celebrating the artwork of the show’s original scenic designer, Tom H. John.
A landmark in American musical theatre, The Wiz reimagined L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz through the lens of 1970s Black culture, winning seven Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Original Cast Recording. Now, as part of the Museum’s “Timeline of Broadway” series, this new experience offers guests an unprecedented look at the original production’s visual design.
By scanning a QR code with their phone inside the museum, guests will find a curated collection of never-before-seen concept sketches and scenic renderings along with an exclusive new interview with Tom H. John, who reflects on his experience designing The Wiz and and the creation of a new commemorative artwork marking the show’s 50th anniversary. The digital experience is also available on the Museum of Broadway App.
The tribute supports the shared mission of AOIF and the Museum of Broadway to preserve and illuminate the cultural influence of theatrical storytelling and visual art—and to inspire personal discovery through the imagination.
“Tom’s work is a breathtaking fusion of creativity and innovation, and we are proud to help bring his vision to life for new audiences,” said Brady Schwind, Executive Director of AOIF. “To see his art celebrated alongside Broadway legends at the Museum of Broadway is not only a testament to his extraordinary talent, but also a reflection of how the boundaries of theatrical storytelling continue to evolve.”
About Tom H. John
Tom H. John (b. 1931) is a renowned scenic designer whose prolific career spans stage, television, and film. He is the recipient of five Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, with notable credits including set designs for all of Barbra Streisand’s 1960s television specials and Broadway productions such as Guys & Dolls, George M!, and The Wiz.
About The Arts of Imagination Foundation
The Arts of Imagination Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and celebrating timeless stories and the artwork they inspire. Through a growing collection of historic and newly commissioned works, the Foundation creates transformative experiences that elevate personal discovery and deepen public understanding of the power of story and art in shaping culture, belief, and identity—opening new possibilities for children, adults, and families alike. @arts.of.imagination.foundation
About the Museum of Broadway
The female-founded award-winning Museum of Broadway is the world’s first-ever permanent museum dedicated to the storied history and legendary artists, creators and stars of Broadway musicals and plays, past and present. Offering unrivaled “backstage” access, the Museum of Broadway goes behind-the-scenes to show guests of all ages how a Broadway show is made from conception to curtain call. A one-of-its-kind entertaining and educational celebration of Broadway for the theater enthusiast and insider alike, the Museum of Broadway transports visitors visually through centuries of time. Experience a stunning, ever-evolving curation from the 1700s-present day one dazzling, unforgettable exhibit, costume, prop, rendering and rarity at a time. Through each piece, the Museum of Broadway honors the legacies of those who paved the way for today’s Broadway and the next generation of theatergoers and creators.
Founded in November 2022 by Julie Boardman and Diane Nicoletti, the Museum of Broadway highlights more than 500 showstopping and hidden gem productions across three floors of exhibits. Open seven days a week and welcoming thousands of guests weekly from all over the world, the museum also offers free educational programming, special events with your favorite Broadway casts and creatives, a membership program, merchandise from your favorite shows, and so much more. A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold is donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Be sure to follow @MuseumofBroadway on all social channels for the latest artifact drops, special offers, events and happenings and visit themuseumofbroadway.com/tickets to complete your perfect day on Broadway.
