Big Movie Locations Private Tour in New York with Local Guide

Explore the timeless charm of Anderson Avenue. As a featured spot on numerous movie websites, this neighborhood retains its authenticity, allowing you to effortlessly connect it with the scene captured on screen. The building on Anderson Avenue continues to house a convenience store, offering a glimpse into the enduring nature of this film location. Despite subtle updates to doors and windows, the distinctive brickwork has stood the test of time, preserving the nostalgic ambiance of Big.

Stroll just a few blocks away from Josh and Billy's homes. The journey to this classic filming location becomes a delightful exploration of the neighborhood's charm. As you navigate the schoolyard where Josh and Billy play ball, you may notice a subtle transformation. The school, in a forward-looking move, added a new wing in 2000, enhancing its facilities. In 2015, the wing was dedicated to the esteemed former superintendent, James P. Colagreco, leaving an indelible mark on the school's history. While the schoolyard may have undergone changes, the essence of the scenes captured in Big remains intact. Identify the boundary where the old school once stood, allowing you to pinpoint the location of memorable moments from the film.

Witness the pivotal moment when Josh, played by Tom Hanks, races through the streets, experiencing the magic of overnight transformation. As Josh dashes to the amusement park near the Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee, NJ, the anticipation builds. Imagine the thrill as he discovers the Zoltar machine has vanished, leaving him at a crossroads. Notice the subtle details of the landscape as Josh grapples with the whims of fate. Marvel at the resilience of his character as he pedals through the scenic route, navigating hills and valleys. The realization that the amusement park has departed only adds to the poignancy of the moment.

Escape into the allure of the St. James Hotel, an iconic refuge nestled at 109 W 45th Street near the vibrant heartbeat of Times Square. Join the journey as Billy guides Josh to this historic establishment for a few days of hidden respite. Originally conceived as an "apartment hotel," it offered opulent residences for New York's well-heeled denizens. The name emblazoned in the film aligns seamlessly with reality, as the St. James remains a rare gem, still in operation amid the ever-evolving landscape of Times Square. Let your guide tell you a century's worth of history, crime, and intriguing occurrences.

Step into the quaint video game retailer, where the duo fervently inquires about the coveted Zoltar game. With bated breath, they seek answers from the proprietor, only to find their quest remains unfulfilled. The authenticity of the scene is accentuated by the unmistakable sign proudly proclaiming "Novel Pinball" above the entrance. Venture into the realm of wholesale pinball dealerships, a world shrouded in obscurity. Uncover the traces of Novel Pinball in a 1989 edition of American Photography Showcase, a testament to its presence at 593 Tenth Avenue.

Marvel at the unchanged facade of the city building, its number boldly displayed next to the entrance. The location of this pivotal scene is easily discernible, offering a glimpse into the enduring architecture of 141 Worth Street. Delve into the past, noting the removal of the once-ubiquitous bank of pay phones on the sidewalk. Navigate the historical landscape of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza, a site that witnessed a transformative $7 million restoration in 2001. Encounter the challenge of aligning before-and-after photos, capturing the plaza's evolution.

Join Josh and Billy on their journey through the vibrant streets of New York as they peruse job listings in a diner nestled at 78 8th Avenue. In a quest to unveil the hidden gems of this iconic scene, the challenge of identifying the location presented itself, a challenge that ignited curiosity and determination. Although it's not there now, you can have an opportunity to compare the before and after strolling around the New York streets.

Uncover the intriguing history of this iconic location, a tale that predates the digital era and weaves through the vibrant streets of Manhattan. Transport yourself to the early 1990s, a time before the internet revolutionized information sharing, where the narrator's connection to this enchanting spot was forged while working at a nearby copy shop. Discover that the renowned Hasbro toy company had set up its headquarters in this very building, strategically positioned around the corner from the illustrious International Toy Center on 5th Avenue, the hallowed grounds of the American International Toy Fair.

Experience a moment frozen in time at the former site of Crossland Savings Bank, a fleeting institution that once graced the illustrious 3 W 57th Street. Join Josh and Billy on their joyous escapade as they emerge from the bank, newfound wealth in hand, painting the streets with the exuberance of a memorable cinematic moment. Delve into the complexities of the banking industry, where mergers and takeovers unfold with rapid fervor, leaving behind a trail of institutions consumed by the inexorable march of time.

Join Josh as he observes a heartwarming moment outside the store, where a father tenderly guides his son, also named Josh, into the fantastical world that awaits within. Uncover the fascinating history of FAO Schwarz, an institution that underwent a significant transition in 1986. Sold to investors, the store relocated to its new home at 767 Fifth Avenue, marking a pivotal chapter in its 55-year legacy. Once struggling, the store experienced a revival, drawing patrons with its oversized "Walking Piano" featured in the film.

Transport yourself to the iconic scene where a delivery man becomes the unwitting target of a water balloon cascade from the top-floor fire escape. Delight in the timeless allure of SoHo, a neighborhood steeped in artistic expression and architectural splendor. Navigate the streets and discover the historic charm that envelops this landmarked district. As Josh and Billy frolic on the back of the delivery truck, you'll find yourself immersed in the vibrant energy of SoHo, where every corner whispers tales of creativity and urban charm

Let the tour take you to the office party scene at Cafe Society, a captivating establishment nestled at 915 Broadway that unfolds the uniqueness of New York's nightlife. As Josh steps into the enchanting realm of this iconic venue, adorned with neon signs and Art Deco charm, the ambiance becomes a testament to the city's vibrant spirit.

Visit the park on the enchanting northwest corner of Spring and Thompson Streets. This picturesque location witnessed the unfolding of a lively paddleball game between Josh and Paul Davenport, played by the talented John Heard. While this site has been rightfully acknowledged on various movie websites, the intrigue lay in uncovering the nuanced details—identifying the precise entrance and the very court where Tom Hanks and John Heard showcased their paddleball prowess. With your local guide, you won't miss that.

Transport yourself back to the enchanting scenes from Big as you stand on the very spot where the movie was made. Asti Restaurant, a cherished Greenwich Village venue for over 75 years, closed its doors on a memorable New Year's Eve in 1999. The restaurant was a unique gem, mirroring its portrayal in the film, with waitstaff spontaneously breaking into operatic performances, creating an unforgettable dining experience. The walls of Asti were adorned with autographed photos of luminaries like Babe Ruth and Noel Coward, alongside accomplished opera singers who had graced its tables. The birthday scene in Big immortalized Asti's vibrant spirit, capturing the essence of its atmosphere. As Josh celebrates amidst the lively ambiance, the singing chef's aria, dough-tossing, and the operatic rendition of "Happy Birthday" unfold in a symphony of joy.

Take a trip to Playland Amusement Park at 1 Playland Pkwy in Rye, NY, the iconic setting where Josh discovers the transformative Zoltar machine. Surprisingly devoid of a Zoltar replica, the absence leaves room for the imagination to wander. Picture a Zoltar machine, and you might envision the magical aura it could bring to this already enchanting setting. Learn where the Zoltar machine went and where you can find it nowadays.