FAO Schwarz, the iconic toy store in Manhattan, first opened its doors in 1870, relocating to its current Fifth Avenue location in 1986, just two years prior to its cameo in the beloved film Big, where Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia played “Heart and Soul” on its renowned giant floor piano. This enchanting store has graced the silver screen in several films, including Mighty Aphrodite, Baby Boom, and Big Business, captivating audiences and drawing in visitors who quickly discover the reality is just as magical as the movies portray.
I have fond memories of playing on that famous piano and watching my younger brother leap into a mountain of plush puppies, his arms spreading wide for a joyous embrace. Every stuffed animal felt softer and more adorable than any we had encountered before. The store featured extravagant Lego displays, creative craft stations, and the opportunity to personalize dolls and Muppets, all enhanced by a sprawling candy section that delighted the senses.
I am not alone in my sorrow over its closing. After moving to New York, FAO Schwarz became a must-visit destination for friends, regardless of whether they had children. The store was also a hotspot for celebrity sightings, likely due to the affluent clientele who could indulge in its offerings. I remember spotting pop star Lily Green shortly after her first big hit and wandering the aisles behind a man I recognized but couldn’t place until it hit me—it was Al Simmons, transformed from the last time I’d seen him on TV. After confirming his identity, I respectfully gave him space to shop.
Yet, the true allure of FAO Schwarz wasn’t about celebrity encounters. It was the quintessential toy store that every child imagines, capable of transporting you back to your childhood. Stepping inside, you left your adult worries behind; your gaze was captivated by enormous stuffed giraffes, whimsical flying toys, and the sheer wonder of it all. In that moment, shopping became an act of play, not a chore.
This is what we will miss the most—an oasis of joy that allowed us to reconnect with our inner child.
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