Marostica Opens the “Giovanni Longo” International Chess Museum

Marostica Opens the “Giovanni Longo” International Chess Museum

The new International Chess Museum was inaugurated on Saturday 16 May 2026 at 16:30 and is located in the Castello Inferiore of Marostica. Designed for both the general public and chess enthusiasts, the museum aims to be an international center for the study and promotion of chess culture.

What to expect

The museum's collection includes game sets, artworks and objects from multiple continents spanning several centuries. The exhibition path is organized into four thematic rooms (Europe, Americas, Africa, Asia) and features items ranging from tiny chess sets to monumental installations up to three by three meters. There are also displays of chess clocks, historical curiosities and artifacts related to the use of chess in wartime contexts.

Accessibility and services

• Tactile maps for visitors who are visually impaired or blind.
• Lighting control devices tailored to people with visual disabilities.
• Informative videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) for visitors with hearing difficulties.
• Free audio guides accessible via QR code with content in Italian and English.
• A Donors' Area to support new acquisitions and private collections, keeping the museum's displays evolving.

Opening events

The inauguration day features collateral initiatives to promote chess culture, including the "Giovani Talenti a Marostica" competition for 14–20 year-olds organized by the P. Ragazzoni Civic Library, and the 7th Chess Event with FIDE Master Carlo Micheli, scheduled on 16 May from 16:00 to 18:30 at the Casa del Caffè in Piazza Castello.

Practical information

• Location: Castello Inferiore, Piazza Castello 1, 36063 Marostica (VI), Italy.
• Opening hours: open year-round except 25 December and 1 January; typical hours 9:00–13:00 and 14:30–18:30.
• Project and funding: restoration and fit-out cost about €668,000, including €405,320 from PNRR funds and €262,679 from the Municipality.

The museum positions itself as a hub for research and cultural activities devoted to chess, with an inclusive approach and programming suited to both specialists and curious visitors. Check the museum's official channels before visiting for updated hours and events.