28 years have passed since the release of the film Home Alone, lost in New York, starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, who enchanted and generated millions in the early 1990s. Almost three decades later, we decided to take a tour of the city to show how the sights of the Big Apple are going and some considerations about locations and real addresses.
LaGuardia Airport – When Kevin arrives in NYC he has a vision that is not the real city seen from the La Guardia, this is because he sees the Pepsi Cola Sign in Long Island City, the UN Building and Empire State. Those who arrive at the LGA will realize that the panorama is different.
The airport is currently undergoing a massive renovation and many innovations are being implemented. A luxury! Queens, NY 11371
Plaza Hotel – Hotel where several scenes of the film are set since Kevin is staying there and later in the movie his family is also guaranteed accommodation in a wonderful suite. The Plaza remains beautiful and majestic. Its facade was renovated a few years ago and still represents one of the city’s tourist attractions. 768 Fifth Avenue- New York, NY 10019
Central Park – Kevin, the bad guys and the homeless appear at various points, let’s list the main ones:
*Gapstow Bridge: Here, the protagonist delivers the dove, a symbol of friendship to the homeless lady. It is one of the most famous bridges in Central Park, it is beautiful at any time of the year and has been the scene of dozens of other films and TV shows. East Side entrance at 62nd Street.
*Wollman Rink: Where the bandits plan to rob the toy store. The rink is one of the most famous in the park and is an essential destination for those who want to have unique experiences in the Big Apple. It runs from October to April and to make reservations and see the special specifications for this pandemic period, just go to the official website: https://www.wollmanskatingrink.com. East Side entrance at 62nd Street.
*Bethesda Terrace – Bethesda Fountain – This is where Kevin manages to escape from the bad guys by getting into the trunk of the carriage. Located in the heart of Central Park, this is a must-see tourist spot. In the summer it is possible to ride a boat on the lake. The fountain is one of the largest in the city and the image of the Angel of the Waters seems to bless those nearby. It is right in the middle of the park, entrance on 72nd Street.
*Central Park West and 96th Street – Where Kevin walks at night and sees the crazy homeless and call girls. 96th street is one of the few that have common traffic that provides access for cars to cross the park.
Rob McCallister House – The uncle’s house is where the bandits Marv and Harry fall into the protagonist’s traps. It is a very quiet street on the Upper West Side in Manhattan and the houses are typical of the city. Similar to those that appears in the film. 51 West 95th Street.
Carnegie Hall – Where the homeless person takes Kevin to see a concert. Founded in 1891, the theater is a national historic landmark; it has an international standard of musical excellence and receives the best artists in the world. Currently, due to the pandemic, it is offering attractions that can be seen online from different parts of the world. Located in the corner of 57th street and Seventh Avenue.
Duncan’s Toy Chest – The biggest toy store in the city where Kevin meets Mr Duncan and where the bad guys carry out the theft. In real life the store does not exist, but it represents the famous FAO Schwarz, which at that time was in front of the Plaza Hotel, it would not make much sense to go by car as Kevin did. For more than 150 years, FAO Schwarz has represented class, dream and extravagant toys. In 2015 we received the sad news of its closure at the famous Fifth Avenue address. However, 3 years later it reopened at Rockefeller Plaza, very close to the traditional Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, where it is today. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – In his prayer in front of the famous Christmas tree, Kevin asks to see his family again and it is at that time that his mother shows up and they are reunited. Since I moved to NYC almost a decade ago I visit this tourist spot frequently and the tree looks the same every year. The decoration is beautiful; it has the ice skating rink in front and the corridor of angels with trumpets.
The choice of the tree and its lighting are always special events in the city. This year, unlike any other, the ceremony to turn on the lights and illuminate the tree took place live via the Internet. However, people still have access to the place, much more restricted than in previous years, but possible. If you are there, take the opportunity to watch the special of lights and music offered by the Saks store, right in front of the Rockefeller, it is a beautiful show of lights, colors and instrumental music that fills us with emotion and represents the Christmas spirit. This year’s presentation takes approximately 3 and a half minutes and is contagious. The Rockefeller Center is at 49th and Fifth Avenue.
Other points shown in the film: Fulton Fish Market, Battery Park, former World Trade Center, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Queensboro Bridge, Radio City, Chinatown, Grand Army Plaza, 57th Street Subway Station and Fifth Avenue, these are some of them.
