The Toy Store In Home Alone 2
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a classic Christmas movie that has captured the hearts of millions of viewers since its release in 1992. The film follows young Kevin McCallister as he gets separated from his family during a vacation in New York City and ends up staying at the Plaza Hotel. In one of the most iconic scenes from the movie, Kevin visits a massive toy store that is located right next to the hotel. In this article, we take a closer look at the toy store in Home Alone 2 and its significance in pop culture.
The Store: FAO Schwarz
The toy store featured in Home Alone 2 is none other than FAO Schwarz, one of the most famous toy stores in the world. The store was founded in 1862 by Frederick August Otto Schwarz and was originally located in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1870, the store moved to New York City, where it has remained ever since. FAO Schwarz is known for its large selection of high-quality toys and its iconic piano mat, which was famously played by Tom Hanks in the movie Big.
The Scene: Kevin's Visit To The Store
In the movie, Kevin visits the store to buy a present for his sister. The store is decorated for Christmas, with giant toy soldiers standing guard at the entrance. Once inside, Kevin marvels at the vast selection of toys, including a giant animatronic T-Rex and a life-sized remote-controlled car. He eventually makes his way to the checkout counter, where he encounters the villainous Harry and Marv, who are also in the store. Kevin manages to escape from them by using the toy store as his playground, setting off a series of traps and tricks to outsmart the burglars.
The Impact: A Pop Culture Icon
The toy store scene in Home Alone 2 has become one of the most iconic movie scenes of all time. It has been parodied in countless TV shows and movies, and has even inspired real-life toy stores to create their own versions of the famous piano mat. FAO Schwarz has become a must-visit destination for tourists visiting New York City, with its iconic status cemented by its appearance in the movie. The store has also been featured in other movies and TV shows over the years, making it a true pop culture icon.
The Legacy: FAO Schwarz Today
FAO Schwarz has undergone many changes over the years, but it remains a beloved toy store for children and adults alike. In 2015, the store closed its doors due to rising rent costs, but it was reopened in 2018 in a new location in Rockefeller Center. The new store features many of the same classic toys, as well as some new additions, and is once again a popular tourist destination. The piano mat is still a highlight of the store, and visitors can play the iconic tune from Big just like Tom Hanks did.
Conclusion
The toy store in Home Alone 2 is more than just a setting for a famous movie scene – it is a cultural touchstone that has inspired countless people over the years. FAO Schwarz remains a beloved institution and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves toys and pop culture. Whether you're a fan of Home Alone 2 or just love toys in general, the toy store in the movie will always hold a special place in our hearts.