Julie Bishop's sparkly red satin pumps, which she wore to the August press conference announcing her resignation from federal cabinet, are now safely behind glass at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra, aka Old Parliament House.

And while Ms Bishop donated the shoes to the museum's permanent collection, the Dorothy-esque heels will be on public display only until December 16.

“We don’t usually display anything permanently other than heritage furniture," a museum spokesperson said.

"Most items in the collection have display limits so they don’t fade or deteriorate.

"The shoes are in what we call a pop-up display, which is used temporarily to display new collection items, to give the public a chance to see them.

"The shoes will then go into storage, and be used in future in exhibitions when they are deemed to be appropriate for a particular display.”

Ms Bishop said at the shoe handover this week that she had no idea the impact of wearing them to the press conference would have.

“Since that time, many people have told me the colour red should be a symbol of solidarity and
empowerment among Australian women. The red shoe emoji has taken on a life of its own," she said.

“I give my red shoes to the Museum of Australian Democracy as a tribute to the aspirations of all
women."