Chess Travel Guide: Highlighting Famous Chess Destinations and Museums

Chess enthusiasts often dream of visiting places that have a rich history in the world of chess. Here’s a guide to some of the most famous chess destinations and museums around the globe.

1. World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis, USA

• Exhibits: The museum features rotating exhibitions on various chess themes, historical games, and
• artifacts.
• Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis: Just across the street, this center is a hub for chess education and high-level competition, including the Sinquefield Cup.

One of the most eye-catching features of the World Chess Hall of Fame is the world's largest chess piece, which stands at 20 feet tall and weighs approximately 10,860 pounds. This giant king piece is displayed outside the museum and has been recognized by the Guinness World Records.

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2. Mikhail Tal’s House, Riga, Latvia

• Tal Memorial: An annual tournament held in honor of the eighth World Chess Champion.
• Chess Clubs: Riga has several active chess clubs where one can play and meet local enthusiasts.

The house contains various personal items and memorabilia from Tal's life, including his chess sets, trophies, photographs, and handwritten notes. The house includes interactive displays where visitors can replay some of Tal’s most famous games.

3. Schaakstukken Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The museum features an extensive collection of chess sets from different cultures and eras. These sets come in various styles and materials, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of different cultures and periods. The Schaakstukken Museum offers activities specifically designed for children, including chess puzzles, beginner’s lessons, and interactive games.

4. Royal Game of Chess Museum, Marostica, Italy

Marostica is famous for its human chess game, a tradition dating back to 1454. Every two years, the town square is transformed into a giant chessboard for a live game with human pieces. The museum houses an extensive collection of the elaborate costumes and props used in the human chess game. Visitors can see the beautifully crafted outfits worn by the human chess pieces, including knights, queens, kings, and pawns, which reflect the Renaissance period.

5. Marshall Chess Club, New York City, USA

The club is located in a charming brownstone at 23 West 10th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. This historic building has been the club’s home since 1931 and retains much of its old-world charm. The club houses an extensive library and archive of chess books, magazines, and historical documents. 

6. The Good Knight, Oslo, Norway

The Good Knight is a unique chess-themed pub located in Oslo. This establishment is known for its strong focus on chess, featuring numerous chess boards available for use, including chess clocks for a small additional fee. The Good Knight also hosts various events such as chess tournaments, drop-in courses, seminars, live analysis sessions, and tips from grandmasters.

What do you recommend to visit? Have you been to any of these places?

Photo of World Chess Hall of Fame by felixwong.com