The mission of the World Chess Hall of Fame is to educate visitors, fans, players, and scholars by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the game of chess and its continuing cultural and artistic significance. The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) celebrates one of the world’s oldest and best-loved games through vibrant, engaging exhibitions and creative programming. A not-for-profit, collecting institution situated in the heart of Saint Louis, the WCHOF houses both the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, which honor the accomplishments of the game’s finest players. The organization presents exhibitions that explore the history of the game, as well as its remarkable impact on arts and culture. These unique shows and programs are designed to appeal to both the chess novice and expert,
defying expectations and enhancing knowledge of the game. Along with those of its sister organization, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, the WCHOF’s activities have distinguished Saint Louis as a national and international chess destination.
ABOVE: World Chess Hall of Fame, 2013 Photo © Carmody Creative
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: A Memorable Life Gallery View, 2014 Strategy by Design Gallery View, 2014 Living Like Kings Gallery View, 2014 Photos © Michael DeFilippo
THE HALLS OF FAME
The World Chess Hall of Fame is home to both the World and U.S. Halls of Fame. Located on the third floor of the WCHOF, the Hall of Fame honors each World and U.S. inductee with a plaque listing their contributions to the game of chess. Representatives of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) nominate new inductees to the World Chess Hall of Fame. The U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee considers candidates for the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame and sends its nominations to the U.S. Chess Trust each year. The trustees of the U.S. Chess Trust then vote on who should be inducted. As of April 2015, there are 24 members of the World Chess Hall of Fame and 55 members in the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame.
WORLD HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 2015 Olga Rubtsova Lyudmila Rudenko Carl Schlechter
THE COLLECTION
The permanent collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame contains trophies, photographs, scoresheets, periodicals, chess sets, and other artifacts related to significant players and events from chess history. One highlight of the collection is the Paul Morphy silver set, presented to the legendary player after his 1857 victory in the First American Chess Congress. Others are the George Sturgis Trophy, which is inscribed with the names of the
PUBLIC PROGRAMMING
The World Chess Hall of Fame presents a variety of exhibition-related programming for adults and children. Family Days provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the exhibition by engaging in hands-on activities inspired by the objects and ideas presented in the galleries. The WCHOF’s Early Childhood and Preschool Programs are designed for children ages birth through five and provide a stimulating learning environment for children and their caregivers. The WCHOF’s public programming explores the issues and ideas at the core of its exhibitions. These events include gallery tours, informal talks, and lectures
1945-1963 winners of the U.S. Chess Open Championship, and the perpetual trophy for the Piatigorsky Cup, one of the strongest tournaments ever held on American soil. The collection also features artifacts related to contemporary milestones in international and American chess, including the Sinquefield Cup and the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships. Additionally, the collection contains many chess sets, including one designed by artist Emil Pott for Tiffany & Co.
and panel discussions presented by curators, collectors, and artists. Public Programs also make connections among chess, art, and life through fun activities such as book discussions, dance demonstration, and instruction and food tastings. The WCHOF Monthly Music Series celebrates the musical variety Saint Louis has to offer through intimate concerts that appeal to a broad audience. ABOVE: Piatigorsky Cup Trophy, 1963 Tiffany & Co. Photo © Michael DeFilippo
OPPOSITE LEFT TO RIGHT:
The Burning Boards, 2014 Family Day, 2013 Artist Talk with Adrian O. Walker, 2014 Evan Drachman Concert, 2014 Brand New Old School Style Dance Workshop, 2015
2014 Maya Chiburdanidze Paul Keres
2011 Vera Menchik 2008 Siegbert Tarrasch 2005 Garry Kasparov
2013 Elizaveta Bykova Mikhail Chigorin Nona Gaprindashvili
2004 Alexander Alekhine Machgielis Euwe Anatoly Karpov 2003 Mikhail Botvinnik Tigran Petrosian Vasily Smyslov Boris Spassky Mikhail Tal
2001 José Raúl Capablanca Robert Fischer Emanuel Lasker Paul Morphy Wilhelm Steinitz
U.S. HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 2015 Alexander Shabalov 2014 Abraham Kupchik Jacqueline Piatigorsky 2013 Gregory Kaidanov Mona May Karff 2012 Alex Yermolinsky 2011 Boris Gulko Andrew Soltis 2010 Diane Savereide Jackson Showalter Herman Steiner 2009 John Fedorowicz Burt Hochberg
2008 Joel Benjamin Larry Christiansen Nick de Firmian 2007 Irving Chernev Jeremy Gaige
1999 Benjamin Franklin 1998 Milan Vukcevich 1997 Kenneth Harkness
2006 Yasser Seirawan
1996 Fred Reinfeld
2004 Anatoly Lein Leonid Shamkovich
1995 Edmund Edmondson, Jr.
2003 Lev Alburt Walter Browne
1994 Arthur Bisguier Robert Byrne Larry Evans
2002 Donald Byrne 2001 Lubomir Kavalek 2000 Edmar Mednis
1993 Pal Benko Victor Palciauskas 1992 Arnold Denker Gisela Gresser George MacKenzie
1991 John Collins Arthur Dake 1990 Hans Berliner 1989 Al Horowitz 1988 Arpad Elo Hermann Helms 1987 Sam Loyd Wilhelm Steinitz 1986 Reuben Fine Robert Fischer Isaac Kashdan George Koltanowski Frank Marshall Paul Morphy Harry Pillsbury Samuel Reshevsky
OUR HISTORY
The World Chess Hall of Fame was created in 1986 by the United States Chess Federation. Originally known as the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame, the small museum opened in 1988 in the basement of the Federation’s then-headquarters in New Windsor, New York, and contained a modest collection, which included a book of chess openings signed by Bobby Fischer, the Paul Morphy silver set, and cardboard plaques honoring past grandmasters. In 1992, the U.S. Chess Trust purchased the museum and moved its contents to Washington, D.C. From 1992 to 2001, the collection grew to include the World Team Chess Championship trophy won by the U.S. team in 1993, numerous chess sets and boards, and the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame inductee plaques. In 2001, the institution moved into a new, multi-million dollar facility at the Excalibur Electronics headquarters in Miami, Florida, and was renamed the World Chess Hall of Fame and Sidney Samole Museum. The Museum continued collecting chess sets, books, memorabilia, advertisements, photographs, furniture, medals, trophies, and journals until it closed in 2009. TOP : Arnold Denker Plays a Skittles Game with Gisela Gresser at the 1944 U.S. Chess Championship. Photo Ned Goldschmidt BOTTOM : Paul Keres and Tigran Petrosian with the Piatigorskys at the 1963 Piatigorsky Cup. Photo Art Zeller
Due to the vibrancy of Saint Louis and the success and growing international reputation of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, it was then proposed that the contents of the Miami institution be moved to Saint Louis. Realizing the potential to provide area youth with a vital educational resource, Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield provided seed funding to relocate the institution to Saint Louis. The World Chess Hall of Fame opened September 9, 2011, in Saint Louis’ bustling Central West End neighborhood, directly across the street from the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. The World Chess Hall of Fame is housed in a historic 15,900 square-foot residenceturned-business and features the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, displays of artifacts from the permanent collection, and temporary exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games, and cultural impact of chess. The WCHOF partners with the Chess Club and Scholastic Center to provide innovative programming and outreach to local, national, and international audiences.
World Chess Hall of Fame Grand Opening, 2011 Photo © Diane Anderson
CHESS IN SAINT LOUIS
The success of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis and the World Chess Hall of Fame has received attention from the international chess community, making Saint Louis the premiere chess destination worldwide. In fact, the U.S. Chess Federation named Saint Louis “Chess City of the Year” in 2009 and 2011. The city of Saint Louis, however, is not without a lengthy chess heritage. In 1886, Saint Louis hosted a segment of the first World Chess Championship, which culminated with Wilhelm Steinitz defeating Johannes Zukertort to become the first World Chess Champion. Benjamin Foster, a Saint Louis resident and the editor of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat chess column, published Chancellor Chess: or the New Game of Chess three years later in 1889. His book introduced a chess piece called a “chancellor” and an additional pawn to an enlarged board. Although his proposal was ultimately rebuffed, it nonetheless received considerable attention from the chess community. The 1904 World’s Fair drew national and international visitors to Saint Louis. It also served as an occasion to hold the Seventh Annual Chess Congress in the city. Frank J. Marshall, founder of the
Marshall Chess Club in New York City, was named tournament champion. Saint Louis resident and founder of the St. Louis Chess Club Max Judd was awarded second prize. Another Saint Louis chess notable was Mrs. Eveline Allen Burgess, named Woman’s Champion of the United States in 1907. Samuel Burgess, husband of Eveline, was also actively involved in the local chess community. He served as the vice president and later president of the St. Louis Chess Club, of which Eveline was an honorary member. Eveline was also an active member of the West End Chess Club while Samuel served as its president. From the 1940s through the 1970s, Robert Steinmeyer was Missouri’s premiere chess talent, consistently winning the St. Louis District Championship. During that time, Saint Louis repeatedly drew grandmasters to the city for simultaneous exhibitions. Through the 1960s and 1970s, Reuben Fine, Larry Evans, Viktor Korchnoi, and Tigran Petrosian were among those who visited Saint Louis to challenge Steinmeyer and other local chess players.
Boy Scout Chess Merit Badge Launch Event, 2011 Photo © Lori Matler
SAINT LOUIS CHESS CAMPUS
Together with the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL), the World Chess Hall of Fame forms the Saint Louis Chess Campus. The CCSCSL opened its doors in 2008 and soon became the new home for U.S. Championship Chess. Three years later, the World Chess Hall of Fame opened in 2011. Together the CCSCSL and WCHOF work to celebrate and preserve chess history as it happens in our community. Q Boutique, the gift shop at the WCHOF, offers quality chess merchandise, alloccasion gifts and thoughtfully-designed collectibles perfect for chess fans of all ages. Proceeds from Q Boutique support the WCHOF’s exhibitions and educational programs. Kingside Diner, a chess-themed restaurant located next to the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, offers
a variety of early morning and late night food options seven days a week. In 2013, the Chess Club established the Sinquefield Cup, the first ever Super Grandmaster tournament to be held in Saint Louis. The 2014 Sinquefield Cup was the highest-rated chess tournament in the game’s history. The activities of the two organizations led the U.S. Senate to declare Saint Louis the Chess Capital of the nation in 2014. More than a century after the World Championship match in 1886, Saint Louis has again caught the attention of the national and international chess community.
Hikaru Nakamura plays Magnus Carlsen during Round 5 of the 2013 Sinquefield Cup, 2013 Photo © Carmen Schuette
EXHIBITIONS 2011-2016 OUT OF THE BOX: Artists Play Chess 9/9/2011 - 2/12/2012 Chess Masterpieces: Highlights from the Dr. George and Vivan Dean Collection 9/9/2011 - 2/12/2012 Marcel Dzama: The End Game 3/9/2012 - 8/12/2012 BOBBY FISCHER: Icon Among Icons, Photographs by Harry Benson CBE 3/9/2012 - 10/7/2012 Screwed Moves 9/13/2012 - 2/10/2013 Everybody’s Game: Chess in Popular Culture 10/18/2012 - 4/14/2013
NOTABLE EXHIBITED ARTISTS, DESIGNERS & COLLECTORS 2011-2015 Ruben Aguirre Harry Benson Christopher Burch Daniel Burnett Sarah Burton John Cage Orlando Campbell Stan Chisholm Jon Crumiller
The World Chess Hall of Fame acknowledges Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, whose generous support makes our exhibitions possible. Special thanks to the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis; Kelly Ross Brown and Pamela Eyerdam, Cleveland Public Library; Daniel Lucas, United States Chess Federation; United States Chess Trust; and World Chess Federation. Related programming and a pdf of this brochure are available for download at worldchesshof.org.
Power in Check: Chess and the American Presidency 10/18/2012 - 4/21/2013 Bill Smith: Beyond the Humanities 3/7/2013 - 8/25/2013 Prized and Played: Highlights from the Jon Crumiller Collection 5/3/2013 - 9/15/2013 A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, Fashion and Chess 10/19/2013 - 4/19/2014 Jacqueline Piatigorsky: Patron, Player, Pioneer 10/25/2013 - 7/13/2014 Cage & Kaino: Pieces and Performances 5/8/2014 - 9/21/2014 Strategy by Design: Games by Michael Graves 5/8/2014 - 9/28/2014
A Memorable Life: A Glimpse into the Complex Mind of Bobby Fischer 7/24/2014 - 6/7/2015 Living Like Kings: The Unexpected Collision of Chess and Hip Hop Culture 10/9/2014 - 4/26/2015 Marcel Dzama: Mischief Makes a Move 5/14/2015 - 10/18/2015 Encore! Ivory Chess Treasures from the Jon Crumiller Collection 5/14/2015 - 10/18/2015 Battle on the Board: Chess during World War II 6/25/2015 - 1/17/2016 The Magic House: Kings, Queens, and Castles 10/31/2015 - 8/2016
Dr. George & Vivian Dean Anne Deniau Marcel Dzama Tom Friedman Nicholas Gates Jean Paul Gaultier Michael Graves Sofia Hedman Glenn Kaino Benjamin Kaplan Karolina Kling Barbara Kruger Liliya Lifánova Alexander McQueen Nice-One & Lucx
Yoko Ono Benjamin Pierce Bernice & Floyd Sarisohn The Screwed Arts Collective Bill Smith Dr. Jeanne & Rex Sinquefield Diana Thater Gavin Turk Gucci Guido van der Werve Viktor & Rolf Adrian O. Walker John G. White Collection Peat “EYEZ” Wollaeger
WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME 4652 Maryland Avenue Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 367-WCHF (9243)
Images courtesy of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, United States Chess Federation, Cleveland Public Library, and World Chess Hall of Fame.
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Programming Photos: Austin Fuller, Carmody Creative, Lori Matler