Where was Big filmed?

There's an unforgettable scene that serves as a turning point for Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks) and his best friend, Billy (Jared Rushton). In this scene, Billy stumbles upon an adult-sized Josh in the gym. Initially frightened and disbelieving, Billy is convinced of his friend's identity through a familiar dance move. This revelation sets them on a quest to find Zoltar, leading them to Manhattan and the sleazy Eighties-era Times Square.

This pivotal scene occurs at what was depicted as 'George Washington Junior High' in the movie but is actually School #6 Cliffside Park, located at 440 Oakdene Avenue in New Jersey. This location offers fans a chance to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters, although the site has barely changed since the time of filming.

School #6 Cliffside Park is still a functioning public school, maintaining its exterior appearance from the late 80s. Before planning a visit, fans are advised to contact the school administration for permission, as it is an active educational institution.

You can take a bus or drive from Manhattan across the George Washington Bridge to Cliffside Park to get to this location. From there, it's a short drive or walk to Oakdene Avenue. Moreover, the school is conveniently located within a 6-minute walking distance from the filming site of Josh's house.

Young Josh Baskin (David Moscow), finding himself in an adult's body (Tom Hanks) and needing a temporary hideout, is advised by his friend Billy (Jared Rushton) to seek refuge at the St. James Hotel. With apprehension etched on his face, Josh passes a sleazy hooker before stepping into the less-than-immaculate hotel lobby to secure a room for the night.

This scene takes place at the real St. James Hotel, located at 109 West 45th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The 12-story tower stands just a block away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, nestled between Broadway and 6th Avenue. The St. James Hotel boasts a rich history, dating back to 1901, making it one of the oldest hotels in continuous operation in New York City. It began as an "apartment hotel," providing permanent residences for well-to-do New Yorkers.

To visit this historic location, you can take the subway to Times Square-42nd Street Station, which is served by multiple lines. From there, it's just a short walk along 7th Avenue and then onto West 45th Street.

In his adult form, Josh (Tom Hanks) stands outside FAO Schwarz. He observes a father taking his son's hand, a boy who also happens to be named Josh. This moment stirs up feelings of nostalgia and longing for his childhood. FAO Schwarz is the backdrop for one of the most iconic scenes. Inside the store, Josh and his boss, Mr. MacMillan (Robert Loggia), joyously dance to "Heart And Soul" on a giant keyboard spread across the store's second floor.

The original FAO Schwarz, located at 745 Fifth Avenue at 58th Street, was acquired by Toys 'R' Us in 2009 and unfortunately closed down in July 2015. The space is now occupied by the General Motors Building, a skyscraper designed by Edward Durell Stone & Associates with Emery Roth & Sons and completed in 1968.

In 2018, a captivating new flagship toy store was unveiled in Rockefeller Center. It welcomed visitors with the enchanting presence of wooden toy soldiers and a grand Walking Piano, paying tribute to the timeless legacy of the original store and its cinematic impact. While the original location is no longer accessible, the new store continues to capture the magic and wonder of the original, making it a must-visit for fans of Big.

The General Motors Building can be reached by taxi or car in just a 20-minute drive via FDR Dr. If you prefer taking the metro, the nearest stop is 5 Av/59 St station, followed by a short 5-minute walk to the site. In addition, you can take the subway to 47-50 Streets - Rockefeller Center Station to visit the current FAO Schwarz. From there, it's just a short walk to the store.

Josh (Tom Hanks) celebrates his "13th" birthday with his friend Billy (Jared Rushton). The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, with a singing chef performing an aria while playfully catching fresh pizza dough tossed by patrons. The staff brings out a cake and serenades Josh with an operatic rendition of "Happy Birthday", Amidst the merriment, Josh makes a wish, possibly related to Sudan, before blowing out his candles.

This scene was filmed at Asti Restaurant, which has since become the Strip House Grill at 13 East 12th Street in Greenwich Village. Asti, a beloved Italian restaurant staple of Greenwich Village for over 75 years, closed its doors on New Year's Eve in 1999. The restaurant was renowned for its unique feature where waiters routinely burst into song, often engaging customers in their performances, as depicted in the film.

The walls of Asti were adorned with autographed photos of famous patrons, including Babe Ruth, Noel Coward, and numerous talented opera singers. These photos and decorations continue to embellish the walls of the current establishment, the upscale steakhouse - Strip House. The founder's son, who now leases the space, has preserved much of the restaurant's original charm.

Interestingly, one of the singing waiters who brings the birthday cake to Tom Hanks’ table in the film, donning a white shirt and red tie, is the founder of Asti himself.

Head to 13 East 12th Street in Greenwich Village, New York City, to visit this iconic location. It's easily accessible by metro; take the L train to 14th Street-Union Square station, just a short walk from there.

Josh Baskin's (Tom Hanks) adventure comes full circle when he finally locates the mystical Zoltar machine that had turned him into an adult. In a moment of reflection and longing for his childhood, Josh wishes to undo his original request, leading to his return home after weeks of living as an adult.

This pivotal scene was filmed at Playland Amusement Park, often called Rye Playland, in Rye, New York. The park, built in 1928, has seen its fair share of history, from a major fire in 1966 that claimed some of its classic attractions to significant damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Despite these setbacks, the amusement park remains operational, allowing fans to visit the site and locate where the iconic Zoltar scene was shot.

Some fans have reported seeing a replica of the Zoltar machine at the park, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their visit. Other Zoltar machines are scattered across the city, including one near the Wonder Wheel in Coney Island.

Playland, situated at 1 Playland Parkway, is ideally placed for easy access from Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York City. Visitors taking public transportation can avail themselves of the MetroNorth train and then switch to the Bee-Line bus service.