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.
Special Guest Expert: Dr. Brian Yothers
Join us with Saint Louis University’s Dr. Brian Yothers for a deeper insight into how chess relates to literature. Dr. Yothers is a professor of English and chair of the Department of English at Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of a dozen books focusing on early and nineteenth-century American literature, Herman Melville, religion and literature, travel literature, the literature of slavery and freedom, and poetry, among other topics. He is the most recent past editor of Leviathan: A Journal of Melville Studies, and he is excited by the opportunity to discuss the Moby-Dick chess set by Jessica DeStefano (currently on view in Reading Between the Lines: Chess and Literature) as part of the tour.
Current Exhibitions on View
Reading Between the Lines: Chess and Literature – From T. S. Eliot to The Queen’s Gambit, discover how the world’s greatest writers have used chess as the ultimate metaphor for life and drama.
Charles Houska: Master of Play – Step into a world of vibrant color and pop-art energy. We’ll explore how Saint Louis’s own Charles Houska brings whimsy and movement to the board with brand-new commissions.
Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition – See the game as you’ve never seen it before. From ancient Persian boards to modern twists, we explore 1,500 years of “house rules” and creative evolution.
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).
- 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.
