Our History
Founded 1986
The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries was created in 1986 by the United States Chess Federation. Originally known as the US Chess Hall of Fame, the small museum opened in 1988 in the basement of the Federation’s then-headquarters in New Windsor, New York, United States, and contained a modest collection, which included a book of chess openings signed by Bobby Fischer, the Paul Morphy silver set, and cardboard plaques honoring past grandmasters.
1992
In 1992, the US Chess Trust purchased the museum and moved its contents to Washington, DC. From 1992 to 2001, the collection grew to include the World Team Chess Championship trophy won by the US chess team in 1993, numerous chess sets and boards, and the US Chess Hall of Fame inductee plaques.
2001
In 2001, the institution moved into a new, multi-million dollar facility at the Excalibur Electronics headquarters in Miami, Florida, United States, and was renamed the World Chess Hall of Fame and Sidney Samole Museum. The Museum continued collecting chess sets, books, memorabilia, advertisements, photographs, furniture, medals, trophies, and journals until it closed in 2009.
2011
The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries opened September 9, 2011, in the bustling Central West End neighborhood in St Louis, Missouri, USA, directly across the street from the Saint Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center. The World Chess Hall of Fame is housed in a historic 15,900 square-foot residence-turned-business and features the US and World Chess Halls of Fame, displays of artifacts from the permanent collection, and temporary exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games, and cultural impact of chess. The WCHOF partners with the Saint Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center to provide innovative programming and outreach to local, national, and international audiences.
May 2013: the United States Congress declared St Louis the Chess Capital of America
Due to the vibrancy of St Louis and the success and growing international reputation of the Saint Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center, it was then proposed that the contents of the Miami institution be moved to St Louis, Missouri, United States. Realizing the potential to provide area youth with a vital educational resource, Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield provided seed funding to relocate the institution to St Louis.
2018
In April 2018, the World’s Largest Chess Piece was unveiled for the world to see. Certified by Guinness World Records, the iconic chess piece not only serves as a beacon for the Saint Louis Chess Campus, but also a regional and national landmark that exemplifies St Louis’ impact on the sport and art of American chess.
2022
In celebration of Missouri State’s Bicentennial in August 2021, the Missouri Bicentennial Chess Board was unveiled on May 1, 2022, at Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian’s Island in Jefferson City, Missouri, USA. This life-sized chessboard is a permanent installation that can be visited any time the park is open.
Ready to Make Chess History?
Whether you’re planning your visit to explore our exhibits or looking for ways to support our mission, there are many ways to get involved. Join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of chess!
