Chasing the Magic: Unpacking the Real Story Behind Duncan’s Toy Chest

Chasing the Magic: Unpacking the Real Story Behind Duncan’s Toy Chest

Okay, let’s be honest: who hasn’t dreamt of getting lost in Duncan’s Toy Chest from Home Alone 2? That place was pure, unadulterated childhood wish fulfillment. Mountains of toys, a whimsical atmosphere… it was the stuff of legends. But here’s the thing: is it a real place? Well, buckle up, because the truth is a little more nuanced than you might think.

So, no, there isn’t actually a “Duncan’s Toy Chest” with a giant sign and helpful employees ready to wrap your presents. Bummer, right? The store was dreamed up for the movie, a nod to executive producer Duncan Henderson. But! Before you get too bummed out, there’s a silver lining: it was inspired by a real place, a New York institution: FAO Schwarz.

Now, FAO Schwarz… that’s a name that rings a bell for a reason. It’s been a New York icon for ages, a place where toys come to life and childhood dreams take flight. Think of it as Duncan’s Toy Chest’s cool older cousin. And get this: remember that giant piano in Big? Yep, that was FAO Schwarz too, solidifying its place in movie history.

Here’s a fun fact: while the movie screams New York, the actual filming locations were a bit of a mix-and-match.

The exterior shots? Surprise! They weren’t filmed in the Big Apple at all. Instead, the filmmakers headed to Chicago and set up shop at the Rookery Building, a gorgeous, historic landmark at 209 South LaSalle Street. You might recognize it from other films like The Untouchables. Talk about a versatile building!

And the inside? That magical, sprawling interior? That was filmed at the Uptown Theater, also in Chicago. The theater’s grand scale provided the perfect canvas to create the toy store’s enchanting world.

So, while you can’t exactly stroll into Duncan’s Toy Chest and recreate Kevin McCallister’s adventures, you can still get a taste of the magic. FAO Schwarz is alive and well, now located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It’s packed with amazing toys and experiences that’ll bring out the kid in anyone. Trust me, it’s worth a visit.

The bottom line? Duncan’s Toy Chest might be a movie creation, but its spirit lives on. It’s a reminder of the joy and wonder that toys can bring, and a testament to the power of a little movie magic. So go ahead, embrace your inner child, and maybe plan a trip to FAO Schwarz. You never know what kind of adventure awaits!