Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports
“Game Plan” taps into what makes Saint Louis unique: a place where world-class chess and deep-rooted sports culture intersect. Spanning all three galleries and running through Spring 2027, the exhibition explores how strategy, discipline, and competitive spirit connect the mental game of chess with the physical world of sport.
Curated by Shannon Bailey and Emily Allred, the exhibition unfolds across three immersive galleries:
- Gallery 1: Hall of Legends highlights elite competitors who demonstrate how preparation, focus, and resilience, transcend disciplines.
- Gallery 2: Gateway to Great Sports grounds the exhibition in Saint Louis’ rich sports heritage, featuring iconic teams, historic moments, and the civic pride that defines the region. The gallery also underscores the city’s rise as a global chess hub, fueled by the vision and support of Rex Sinquefield and Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield.
- Gallery 3: Fan Zone invites visitors to step into the action with interactive, sports-inspired chess experiences designed for all ages.
The exhibition features a wide-ranging collection of objects that bridge chess and sports, including innovative chess sets, emerging hybrid sports like chess diving and chess wrestling, and interactive installations designed to engage visitors of all backgrounds.
The exhibition will be on view for a full year through April 4, 2027, at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries in Saint Louis to celebrate all sports and their respective seasons of play. Admission is always free and open to the public.