This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Sept. 7, 2011 - The grand opening of the World Chess Hall of Fame is upon us! This is truly an exceptional week for chess in St. Louis. Not only did I celebrate my birthday on Sept. 6 (which is like a national holiday in some circles!), but also the Hall of Fame will open to the public on Friday, Sept. 9. A number of exciting events will surround the opening, and you might be surprised to find that the new Hall of Fame will appeal to more than just the avid chess player.
The first-floor exhibit space is devoted to interesting, cutting-edge contemporary artists that have incorporated chess in their work including Yoko Ono, Barbara Kruger, Diana Thater and St. Louisan Tom Friedman, among others. The second floor exhibit space will feature rare and historically significant chess sets from George and Vivian Dean, the world's premiere chess set collectors. Finally, the third floor will house the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, which feature some of the greatest chess players in the history of the game.
Every person in the St. Louis area can be proud of this great cultural addition, and chess aficionados from all over the country are planning trips to St. Louis to see the new wonderful facility that houses the Hall of Fame. Indeed, St. Louis is now clearly tops in chess in the U.S. with world domination on the horizon.
This world-class Hall of Fame has almost 16,000 square feet and is directly across the street from the Chess Club on Maryland Avenue in the Central West End. It will have a lot for the chess lover to savor, as all the great American players are showcased (those who have been inducted) and also the World Chess Hall of Fame, with great international players throughout chess history.
Schools from throughout the area, which heretofore would take field trips to the Chess Club, now have another great option, and many schools are expected to take advantage of the close proximity of the two great chess organizations.
Even a grandmaster like myself is fascinated with the Hall of Fame, since all the country's and world's top players are showcased, and I get to take a trip down memory lane as I relearn about the best of the best and hope to someday be enshrined in glory!
Chess is booming in St. Louis, and the historic, artistic and cultural component of the new World Chess Hall of Fame is a welcome addition to the rich chess culture that is growing here in the Gateway City.
Ben Finegold is the GM in residence at the St. Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center.