Iconic toy store FAO Schwarz closes in New York

THE FAO Schwarz toy store in New York, made famous through movies like Big with Tom Hanks, has closed its doors after 145 years.

Tom Hanks plays the big piano in FAO Schwartz in the movie Big

THE FAO Schwarz toy store in New York, made famous through movies like Big with Tom Hanks, has closed its doors after 145 years.

The store is closing its Fifth Avenue store for good but rumours persist that it may reopen elsewhere in mid-town Manhattan.

Owner Toys R Us announced the decision in May, citing high rent.

Fun for kids ... FAO Schwarz was always a favourite with the kids. Picture: Mathew Murphy

Kids paradise ... FAO Schwarz closes its doors after 145 years. Picture: Mathew Murphy

The company has had a New York City location since 1870. It opened the iconic flagship store in 1986.

The Fifth Avenue fixture included a candy store, three levels of specialty toy departments and personal shoppers.

It’s been featured in several movies, including Big, where Tom Hanks danced on its large floor piano.

Toys R Us of Wayne, New Jersey, has been privately held since 2005. It bought the FAO Schwarz brand in 2009.

Gone ... FAO Schwarz has closed its doors after 145 years. Picture: Mathew Murphy