Program Type: Special Event

Special Event

Special Events at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries showcase extraordinary occasions that highlight the intersection of chess with culture, art, and innovation. These unique celebrations—including exhibition openings, anniversary commemorations, guest appearances by chess luminaries, and seasonal gatherings—offer memorable experiences that extend beyond our regular programming and provide distinctive opportunities to engage with the world of chess.

Opening Reception—1972 Fischer-Spassky: The Match, Its Origin, and Influence

1972 Fischer/Spassky: The Match, its Origin, and Influence celebrates the 50th anniversary of the American Robert “Bobby” Fischer’s historic win over the Russian Boris Spassky’s legendary gameplay in the 1972 World Chess Championship, ending 24 years of Soviet dominance in the sport. The show features more than 500 artifacts, including chess pieces used in pivotal game three of the “Match of the Century,” a replica of the tournament table created by the makers of the original and never-before-exhibited books from the personal library of Bobby Fischer. The exhibition also highlights pieces from the World Chess Hall of Fame collection, loans from the Fischer Library of U.S. Chess Hall of Fame Inductees Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield & Rex Sinquefield, and from photojournalist and Fischer confidant Harry Benson CBE and recently-donated artwork by the LeRoy Neiman & Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation.

Join us for the opening reception of this unprecedented exhibition at the World Chess Hall of Fame. We will have complimentary cocktails, valet, music from 1972, and remarks from our curators!

Thursday, August 18th, 2022

5:00-8:00 PM C.T.

Free Admission. Complimentary cocktails and valet.

RSVPs suggested. RSVP HERE>

The exhibition is on view from August 18, 2022, through April 30, 2023.

Thursday, Aug 18 – 5:00 pm

Opening Reception of Donna Dodson: Match of the Matriarchs and Other Amazonomachies

Join us for the opening reception of Donna Dodson: Match of the Matriarchs and Other Amazonomachies, on Thursday, February 15, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with complimentary admission, valet, and refreshments.

Donna Dodson: Match of the Matriarchs and other Amazonomachies is the first solo exhibition by a female artist hosted by the World Chess Hall of Fame. The show, which centers on women’s stories, women’s lives, and their place in the history of chess, includes Dodson’s monumental, life-sized chess set Match of the Matriarchs, which contains 32-large scale wooden sculptures representing all-female representations of cephalopods battling cetaceans.

RSVPs are recommended. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Thursday, Feb 15 – 5:00 pm
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Opening Reception of Clash for the Crown: Celebrating Chess Champions

Join us for the opening reception of Clash for the Crown: Celebrating Chess Champions, on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with complimentary admission, valet, and refreshments.

Clash for the Crown: Celebrating Chess Champions explores the histories of the World Chess Championship and Women’s World Chess Championship through a display of artifacts from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF), the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and loans from world chess champions and private lenders. This exhibition coincides with the 100th anniversary celebrations of FIDE’s founding and includes never-before-exhibited artifacts related to many of the game’s most accomplished players.

RSVPs are recommended. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Thursday, Apr 11 – 5:00 pm
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Match of the Matriarchs: SVOUND Bath with Lisa Grezlak

Experience the bliss of sound healing with Lisa Grezlak of SVOUND. Inspired by WCHOF’s exhibition Donna Dodson: Match of the Matriarchs and Other Amazononmachies, Lisa will guide you through a relaxing practice with the ethereal sounds of gongs, singing bowls, chimes, and bells to soothe the body and mind and boost creativity while exploring feminine energies throughout the journey. Be sure to peruse the exhibition either before or after the practice! All skill levels are welcome. No experience is required. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket.

Lisa Grezlak of SVOUND is a full-time Certified Sound Vibrational Practitioner in the Saint Louis area, providing private clinical sessions as well as group sound baths and training to the community. After receiving an unexpected and transformational sound healing session in Sedona, Arizona, seven years ago, she was inspired to change her corporate career into helping others heal through this modality. She has become a leading advocate for sound vibration in Saint Louis, sharing & educating about the amazing benefits/science of sound & frequency healing. The best thing she loves is that everyone can benefit from it. You can learn more about Lisa and Sound Vibration healing at SVOUND.com.

*20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel

Thursday, May 2 – 7:00 pm

Opening Reception of Crown Jewels: Donation Highlights

Join us for the opening reception of Crown Jewels: Donation Highlights, on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with complimentary admission, valet, and refreshments.

Crown Jewels: Donation Highlights showcases 75 stunning chess sets, artworks, memorabilia, and more, gifted from 50 donors to the World Chess Hall of Fame. Benefactors include Chess Collectors International Members Frank Camaratta, Jon Crumiller, Dr. George and Vivian Dean, and the late Bernice and Floyd Sarisohn. See the intricate metalwork on a Hungarian chess set, a bespoke chess set created for the Shah of Iran, and many never-before-exhibited artifacts.

RSVPs are requested. Please email [email protected] for more information or to register.

Friday, Oct 4 – 5:00 pm