Missouri Travel Guide

Make Your Move At The World Chess Hall of Fame In St Louis, Missouri

If you love Chess, then plan a visit to Missouri, where in the St. Louis' historic Central West End you'll find the World Chess Hall of Fame. This unique Hall of Fame has three floors of galleries filled with chess antiques and rarities, and will host engaging exhibits and events.

Among the exciting exhibits at the World Chess Hall of Fame is Number Twelve: Chess Piano Concert in Three Movements. This performance is rare and will be performed for only the second time in the U.S. on the 13th of September. Rather than playing on a traditional chessboard, Dutch artist Guido van der Werve will perform on a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind instrument built by the artist; this chess piano sounds a note as each chess piece is played. Nine string musicians from the Saint Louis Symphony will play van der Werve's original score as well.

When you visit be sure to check out the 5,000-year-old piece from an Egyptian game called senet, the earliest known board game. There's also a custom-made set of chess furniture that belonged to American Grandmaster and World Champion Bobby Fischer. The World Chess Hall of Fame is the only solely chess-focused collecting institution in the United States. As such, it has the privilege of presenting the game of chess in a new light by offering exhibitions of artistic and historical significance, in addition to interpretive programs, which will include dance, music and art performances.

Did You Know? - St. Louis is gaining a reputation as a growing hub of the chess world, and when you visit the World Chess Hall of Fame you can also take a short walk across the street to the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis to play a game or two. For other exciting Chess events in the area keep up to date on St. Louis' Chess Club, which is one of the country's premier clubs and regularly hosts prominent matches such as the U.S., Women's and Junior Chess Championships.

By Eric Worley

Getting There: To learn more about the World Chess Hall of Fame is located at 4652 Maryland Avenue in St Louis. For upcoming events, performances, and programs at the World Chess Hall of Fame call (314) 578-2922 or visit http://worldchesshof.org/. 

Learn more about the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis by visiting http://www.saintlouischessclub.org/.