Crown Jewels: Donation Highlights
Curated by Nicole Tessmer
On View October 4, 2024 – April 13, 2025
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.
Highlights:
- Hungarian Silver and Copper Enamel Chess Set and Board
- Friendship Chess Set from Khaan Chess
- A chess set created for the Shah of Iran
- Artist’s Proof “Conqueror” Chess Set by Peter Ganine
- Several intricate hand carved ivory chess sets from India and China dating from the 1800s
- Never before exhibited artifacts from our collectionApril 11, 2024-January 12, 2025
- Artifacts related to Hall of Fame Inductees including Walter Browne, Donald Byrne, Jack Collins, Garry Kasparov, Lubomir Kavalek, Isaac Kashdan, Viktor Korchnoi, Emanuel Lasker, and Jacqueline Piatigorsky
- Signed books and tournament memorabilia
- Donated chess sets from Chess Collectors International members including Frank Camaratta, Jon Crumiller, Dr. George and Vivian Dean, Duncan Pohl, Edwin and Anne Munger, and Bernice and Floyd Sarisohn
- 2016 Olympiad Gold medal won by the U.S. Team
