Welcome to Play & Create
Discover a space designed for thinkers, makers, and explorers of all kinds. Play & Create is the latest initiative from the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, bringing our community together to explore the vibrant connections between chess, art, and innovation.
Whether you are visiting with children, a caregiver, a group of friends, or exploring on your own, our rotating activities offer a welcoming environment for every curious mind.
What to Expect
Our space is designed to be multisensory and inclusive, ensuring that guests of all ages and abilities can engage with the world of chess in a way that feels comfortable and inspiring.
- Chess for Every Level: From oversized sets to classic boards, jump into a casual game or learn the foundations of the “Royal Game.”
- Board Games: add a section within this bullet point or separate about a variety of board games available in addition to chess
- STEAM Spaces: Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through interactive, chess-themed challenges.
- Tactile & Sensory Play: Engage with a curated selection of sensory toys and hands-on activities designed for diverse neurodivergent and physical needs.
- The Creation Station: Make a fun craft to take home with our variety of supplies, or grab some of our custom coloring and activity sheets to work on at home!
- An Accessible Environment: We are committed to accessibility. Our space features inclusive layouts and sensory-friendly materials to ensure everyone feels at home.
- Books for All Ages: You can find books ranging from children’s stories to adult novels that focus on chess and our current exhibitions!
Special Events & Pop-Ups
Beyond our daily offerings, keep an eye out for special Play & Create events! These include guest artist workshops, STEAM building days, and sensory-friendly hours designed to provide a tailored experience for our visitors.
Planning Your Visit
To accommodate our rotating exhibitions, the Play & Create space is available on a flexible schedule depending on our current gallery requirements.
To ensure the space is available during your visit, please call us at 314.367.9243.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Play & Create Space?
The Play & Create Space is an interactive, family-friendly gallery at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries where strategy meets imagination. It is a dedicated, hands-on environment designed to inspire visitors of all ages to learn, play games, engage in creative art activities, and explore the fascinating intersections of chess, culture, and art.
Where is it located within the building?
You can find the Play & Create Space located on the third floor of the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries in Saint Louis’ historic Central West End (4652 Maryland Ave.).
Who is this space designed for?
Everyone! While it is a fantastic area for children, families, and student groups, the space is open to visitors of all generations. Whether you are a parent looking to create lasting memories with your child, an experienced player seeking a casual spot to challenge a friend, or a museum guest looking to unwind with a hands-on craft, you are welcome here.
Is there an admission fee?
No, access to the Play & Create Space is completely free, just like general admission to our gallery exhibitions. Donations are welcome to help support our educational programming, but are not required.
What kind of activities are available?
The activities are always rotating to stay fresh and engaging, but you can typically expect:
- Open Play Chess Stations: Grab a board and play a casual game.
- Art & Craft Stations: Dive into hands-on art projects inspired by our current museum exhibitions.
- Puzzles & Games: Engage your mind with diverse brain-teasers and tabletop strategy games.
- Reading Nook: Relax with a curated selection of books focused on chess, art, history, and storytelling.
Do I need to book a time slot or register in advance?
No registration or advance booking is required for standard visits when the space is available. Availability varies with our rotating exhibitions and gallery requirements. Please call 314.367.9243 before visiting to confirm that the space is open. However, if you are planning to bring a large school field trip, scout troop, or community group, please contact our education department in advance so we can ensure the space is well-prepared for your arrival.
What are the hours for the Play & Create Space?
The space follows our standard museum gallery hours, but availability varies with our rotating exhibitions and gallery requirements. Please call 314.367.9243 before visiting to confirm that the space is open.
Are children allowed to explore the space unattended?
To ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone, we ask that all children under 12 be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times while in the Play & Create Space.
