World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries

Museum · Central West End

World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries

Museum · Central West End

1

4652 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

Photos

World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by kickgirl91 (Atlas Obscura User)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by kickgirl91 (Atlas Obscura User)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by kickgirl91 (Atlas Obscura User)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by Max Ahlborn (Used with Permission)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by Max Ahlborn (Used with Permission)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by Max Ahlborn (Used with Permission)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by kickgirl91 (Atlas Obscura User)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by Max Ahlborn (Used with Permission)
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries by null

Highlights

This museum in a historic building explores the game of chess, with exhibits, tours & a gift shop.  

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4652 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108 Get directions

worldchesshof.org
@worldchesshof

Information

Static Map

4652 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108 Get directions

+1 314 367 9243
worldchesshof.org
@worldchesshof
𝕏
@WorldChessHOF

Features

gender neutral restroom
restroom
crowd family friendly
crowd lgbtq friendly
crowd trans safespace
parking free street
parking paid street
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"Those who are knowledgeable about the Keizer system and believers in the Tarrasch rule, as well as mindful of the difference between zugzwang and zwischenzug, will find much to delight them at the World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF). Those not so sure will find that there’s much to learn. The Tarrasch rule, for example, is the general principle that rooks should be placed behind passed pawns. It’s named after Prussian chess player Siegbert Tarrasch, one of the players enshrined at this institution in St. Louis, which serves as a museum, an education center, and a monument to great achievements in the classic game. Tarrasch is one of 19 to have been inducted into the World Hall of Fame and 52 members have been inducted into the U.S. Hall of Fame, which is also in the building.   The WCHOF is the only institution of its kind and managed by the United States Chess Trust. It opened here in the Central West End neighborhood in 2011. Its permanent collection includes a book of chess openings signed by Bobby Fischer, a 500-year-old senet piece, the first chess-playing computer, and a silver chess set presented to champion Paul Morphy. It partners with the local chess club to provide instruction for players of all ages and also hosts some of the most competitive tournaments to be had." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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Troy Sommers

Google
It's free or donate a $5. It is worth it for a nice experience. The best part is the large chess piece outside and the cool boards. A great stop while you are in the area but not something you drive 30 minutes away for

Kyle Turner

Google
A nice little place, but honestly a bit underwhelming. I was expecting more exhibits and artifacts on the history of chess, and maybe a deeper dive into the greatest players (after all it is called the Hall of Fame), but it was mostly a collection of unique chess sets. Cool to see, and worth making a short visit to say you’ve been, but don’t go in thinking it will be a chess museum or something.

M J

Google
Intimate concerts are absolutely amazing. Great acoustics. Crafting is also enjoyable and a way to socialize and meet new people.

Axel Littlepage

Google
The largest chess piece in the world was actually bigger than I thought. I was honestly amazed at the special exhibit about different styled chess sets. Some of them were really creative, like a chess set made out of coral. In the floors above it, there was a history of chess worldwide and the best chess players around the world. There was even one of the old tournament chess sets from a match Magnus Carlson played on. Overall, it was a great experience, and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in chess.

Karen Choi

Google
Although I'm not a chess enthusiast, my husband loves chess and wanted to visit the world chess hall of fame. The museum itself is free and there is a donation box in the entrance area. There are a variety of different chess sets and it was very interesting to see chess sets from the 18th century! There was even a chess set with the pieces made from wooly mammoth tusks! On the very top floor, there's even an interactive kid friendly area that I was not expecting so it was great for my almost 2 year old. My family and I had a nice visit and I definitely recommend checking this place out.

Ilona

Google
I'm not a chess fan but stopped here with my family and actually really enjoyed it. It was like a mini art museum specifically about chess pieces and chess boards. My favorite was the ceramic set which was the oldest they had on display! Additionally notes: Bathrooms were clean. This stop was free!

Crista Turner

Google
There were a lot of neat chess sets on display. We didn’t get a much of the Hall of Fame though since one of the floors of the museum was closed. It was a bit underwhelming due to the collection of arts on display being mainly modern era sets. I would have loved to see some really old ones since this is a game that is many centuries old.

Rell I.

Google
The chess museum location was terrific. It was great, it was free. I wish there were more stuff for chess to look at. But for the most part, it was pretty sweet. Three floors, each floor had An era of chess With a fine art aspect of how chess was in everything overall. Pretty good place to visit and look at and support. Great for people who love chess or people who are just interested in chess in general. It's a great little museum. The area around is pretty lovely as well. For kids, they have great chess Floor for them to play. Pro: Free Beautiful Not overwhelming packed Con: Wish it was a little bigger