Ever walked through a museum and wished you could ask, “What’s the story behind that?” Now’s your chance! Whether you’re a grandmaster or you just think the pieces look cool, these tours are designed for everyone. Join us for an afternoon of insider stories, fascinating exhibits, and the kind of behind-the-scenes facts you won’t find in a label. We’re stripping away the “hushed museum” vibe and replacing it with lively conversation and expert insights.
Current Exhibition on View
- Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports – explores the strategic and cultural parallels between chess and sports through displays of legendary competitors, regional history, and interactive play. It demonstrates how discipline and mental preparation unite the physical and intellectual arenas of competition.
Bonus Feature: Saint Louis Baseball History with MHS
Batter up! Few sports have shaped Saint Louis quite like baseball. For this special tour, we are joined by Emily Koeltzow, the Early Childhood and Family Programs Manager from the Missouri Historical Society (MHS). Together, we will dive deep into how baseball’s intersection with technology, culture, and politics changed the course of history.
Discover fascinating local insights, including:
- How Saint Louis pitcher Bill Doak approached Rawlings in 1917 to revolutionize glove designs with added webbing.
- The groundbreaking history of Stars Park, which became the first professional park with permanent night lights in 1930.
- Unique regional baseball variations born right here, from indoor softball and wiffleball to local corkball leagues and inclusive challenger baseball.
- Strategic masterminds like Saint Louis native and Hall of Fame Manager Earl Weaver, who revolutionized modern baseball management strategy.
This exclusive content offers a perfect sneak peek ahead of the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park’s upcoming exhibition, St. Louis At Bat: 100 Moments in Baseball History, opening on October 3!
The Social Hour
The tour is just the beginning! Once we’ve explored the galleries, we keep the good vibes going with:
- Boxed Lunches & Refreshments: Savor a delicious catered lunch and a selection of drinks on us (if you RSVP in advance).
- Special Guest: Connect directly with our featured guest from the Missouri Historical Society.
- Community & Conversation: Meet fellow art lovers and history buffs in a relaxed, inclusive setting right in the heart of the Central West End.
Ready to make your move? Space is limited to keep these tours intimate and engaging. Check out our current schedule and reserve your spot at worldchesshof.org.
