ST. LOUIS, MO.- The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF), the leading chess cultural center in the country, is proud to announce “Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets,” a whimsical and engaging exhibition that showcases more than 50 animal-themed chess sets from around the globe. Opening on January 30, 2025, and running through August 31, 2025, this family-friendly exhibition invites visitors to explore the imaginative ways artists have drawn inspiration from the natural world to reinterpret the familiar chess board.

‘Paws and Pawns’ celebrates the creativity of chess artists and the enduring connection between chess and the animal kingdom,” said Emily Allred, Curator of the World Chess Hall of Fame. “This exhibition invites visitors to see chess through a new lens while highlighting the incredible diversity of wildlife and artistic traditions worldwide.”

For centuries, artists have reimagined chess pieces by drawing on the beauty, diversity, and symbolism of animals. Regal lions and mighty Tyrannosaurus Rexes, often seen as kings of the jungle and prehistoric rulers, appear as commanding kings in some chess sets. In other cases, artists subvert expectations by elevating meek or delicate creatures like frogs and mice to positions of power on the chessboard. Whether showcasing the humor of beloved pets or celebrating the splendor of wildlife from diverse ecosystems, these chess sets offer a playful and thought-provoking perspective on the animal kingdom.

“Paws and Pawns” will feature a menagerie of artifacts from the WCHOF collection, alongside special loans from Chess Collectors International members, local collectors, and talented artists. Highlights include:

• A Dinosaur-themed Sculpture by Justin King, a Saint Louis-based artist celebrated for his intricate cardboard creations.

• Rare Antique Bronze Chess Sets by Austrian artist Franz Bergman, featuring anthropomorphic dogs and pigs.

• Ocean and Bug-themed Chess Sets by Texas artist Laura Sturtz

• Wood-burned Chess Set and Board by Saint Louis artist Sophie Binder.

• The Madwoman of Chess, or Autonomous was a Woman, a sculpture by Donna Dodson that honors the strength of the chess queen and powerful women.

“Chess sets have long served as canvases for artists to share their perspectives on the world around us,” said Allred. “We’re excited to highlight the ingenuity and humor with which artists have depicted animals in chess, transforming familiar creatures into powerful kings, queens and pawns while celebrating the beauty and diversity of the natural world.”

Visitors of all ages will enjoy interactive activities, workshops, and events designed to inspire curiosity about the natural world and the artistry of chess.

Admission is free and open to the public.