FAO Schwarz has been enchanting children since 1862, when a Westphalian goldsmith's son named Frederick August Otto Schwarz began importing fine toys from Europe and selling them through his fancy-goods shop in Baltimore. In 1870, he opened the Schwarz Toy Bazaar on Broadway in lower Manhattan; the store issued its first catalogue six years later.

Their flagship store opened at its current location at the corner of 58th Street and Fifth Avenue in 1986. A store of superlatives, with oversized, unusual, fascinating and very expensive merchandise. Since restructuring and renovating, the store has become less cluttered and more selective about the unique and curious toys and gadgets it sells.

If you have children, FAO Schwarz is a great place to spend the day. The FAO Schwarz Opening Ceremony welcomes you to participate in a magical experience that includes performances on the larger-than-life Dance-On-Piano, storytime, product demonstrations through the store, rides on the Motion Simulator, treats at FAO Schweetz, and opportunites to interact with their fantasy characters as they roam the store.

FAO Schwarz is a registered trademark of FAO Schwarz Inc.