Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets Opans at the World Chess Hall of Fame

Visit the World Chess Hall of Fame for the opening reception of Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets! Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets displays a menagerie of animal-themed chess sets from around the world, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the animal kingdom to chess artists. Many of these are from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, while others are on loan from artists, members of Chess Collectors International, and local collectors.

Artists have taken inspiration from the natural world to reinterpret familiar chess pieces for centuries. Some draw on an animal’s reputation to reimagine it as a chess piece—regal lions and powerful Tyrannosaurus rexes, known as the kings of the jungle and dinosaurs, respectively, appear as rulers in some sets. In other cases, artists subvert expectations, elevating meek or delicate creatures like mice or frogs to powerful players when they step—or hop—onto the chess board.

Though the animal kingdom is known for conflict between predator and prey, many of the sets feature humorous perspectives, showcasing pieces inspired by beloved pets or cartoon-like versions of beasts of the wild. Other sets serve as splendid reminders of the spectacular diversity of wildlife in a specific location like the ocean or a jungle. RSVPs are recommended to [email protected] 

Thursday, January 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., with complimentary admission, valet, and refreshments.

For more information, visit worldchesshof.org