There's hardly a person who doesn't know of the legendary 'Wizard of Oz' film - but did you know that Judy Garland's iconic dress from the film was missing for almost 50 years - until now!

The iconic blue gingham dress worn by Garland in the film was donated to a university drama department - but mysteriously vanished in to thin air.

However, a discovery was accidently made when workers were clearing out a section at the Catholic University of America (CUA) which is undergoing renovations.

The dress had been gifted to Rev. Gilbert Hartke by actress Mercedes McCambridge in 1972 when he was then Head of the drama department.

Lecturer Matt Ripa stumbled across the costume while cleaning up after spotting a bag containing the blue-and-white dress.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Ripa said. “I have found many interesting things during my time at CUA, but I think this one takes the cake.”

The university will keep the dress in its archives.