The Italian chess scene is preparing for a historic milestone. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 4:30 PM, the “Giovanni Longo – City of Marostica” International Chess Museum will officially open its doors.
Located within the historic walls of the Castello Inferiore (Lower Castle), the museum overlooks the world-famous “Piazza degli Scacchi,” where the legendary live chess game is performed.
A Dream Turned into Reality
This ambitious project is the result of a significant donation by Giovanni Longo, a renowned collector from Legnano and a member of the Italian Chess Federation Culture Commission. Longo’s vision was to make his lifelong collection accessible to the public, a wish embraced by the Municipality of Marostica and Mayor Matteo Mozzo.
Following four years of intensive work and supported by PNRR funding (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), Italy now boasts its first major museum dedicated to the “noble game,” and one of the few of its kind in Europe.
The Collection: A Journey Through Continents and Centuries
The museum is organized into four thematic halls on the ground floor, each dedicated to a different continent: Europe, America, Africa, and Asia.
The exhibition features approximately 150 pieces that tell the story of chess from the 18th century to the present day. Visitors can admire:
- Exquisite craftsmanship from Chinese and Indian artisans.
- Chessboards of all scales, ranging from miniature artifacts to monumental installations measuring 3×3 meters.
- Unique sculptures, symbolic objects, and a dedicated section for vintage chess clocks.
The museum has been designed according to the most modern curatorial standards. It is fully accessible, featuring specific paths for the visually impaired and those with hearing difficulties. Furthermore, a free dedicated App serves as an interactive audio guide for visitors.
Opening Day Events
The inauguration on May 16 will be a day-long celebration of chess and culture:
- 11:00 AM: Award ceremony for the “Young Talents in Marostica” competition at the Civic Library Garden.
- 4:00 PM: A special chess event featuring F.I.D.E. Master Carlo Micheli.
- 4:30 PM: Official Inauguration at the Castello Inferiore, featuring institutional greetings and a presentation of the collection by Giovanni Longo himself.
The President of the Italian Chess Federation (FSI), Luigi Maggi, hailed the opening as a sign of the sport’s booming popularity in Italy. “This museum links the present of our wonderful sport to its glorious past,” Maggi stated during the press preview. “It demonstrates the unbreakable bond between chess, art, and culture.”
For those planning a visit, information and bookings are available on the official website: www.museoscacchimarostica.it
