Play a game of chess on a giant outdoor board, inspect chess-related artifacts and view artworks inspired by the two-player board game at this fascinating center.
The World Chess Hall of Fame celebrates the famous two-player board game whose appeal spans countries, cultures and classes. Learn about chess rules and pay tribute to legendary players at this center, which serves as a monument to the beloved board game.
The museum was founded 1986 and the current building it is housed was built in 2011. It is managed by the non-profit United States Chess Trust. Explore the permanent collection, which features all kinds of chess-related memorabilia and artifacts, including trophies, scoresheets and chess sets. See a silver chess set that was gifted to the 19th-century chess master Paul Morphy and a 500-year-old piece used in the Egyptian game of Senet, which is thought to have been a predecessor to modern-day chess.
In addition to the permanent holdings, the center also hosts temporary exhibitions. Past exhibitions have focused on chess-related comics and the revolutionary women of the chess world as well as showcasing chess-inspired artworks by international artists. Don’t leave without checking out which chess legends have been inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame and the World Chess Hall of Fame.
Stop at the gift shop to browse the chess-related goods for sale. Purchase chess collectibles and memorabilia including mugs, chessboards, pieces and pins. Items signed by chess champions including Levon Aronian and Wesley So are also for sale.
Before you leave, challenge a companion to a game using the oversized outdoor chessboard. When you want to move a piece, simply pick it up and carry it to the spot of your choosing.
The World Chess Hall of Fame is located in St. Louis, northeast of Forest Park. Admission is free, although there are suggested donations. Some special exhibitions can only be accessed for a fee. The museum is open daily with limited opening hours on Sundays and is closed on public holidays and occasionally during special events. If you drive, use a nearby parking lot for a fee or metered on-street spaces.
