Pawns & Passports: Chess Sets from Around the Globe

Pawns & Passports: Chess Sets from Around the Globe

September 9, 2026 – February 2027

Pawns & Passports: Chess Sets from Around the Globe

Pawns & Passports: Chess Sets from Around the Globe showcases highlights from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (WCHOF), which includes sets from over 30 countries. Since chess’s creation, people from different regions have transformed the pieces to reflect their own cultures and history. From classic stories, to dance, to epic rivalries, artists have made chess sets that transcend the pieces’ origins as a representations of military units on a battlefield. The WCHOF’s collection of chess sets, which numbers over 1000, offers a virtual tour around the globe. The exhibition includes 11 sets and other artifacts from 12 countries, and is on view in Terminal 1 of St. Louis Lambert International Airport through February 2027.