International Chess Museum 'Giovanni Longo' opens in Marostica

Opening: Saturday, 16 May 2026. The new museum is located in the Castello Inferiore overlooking the historic Piazza degli Scacchi and is the first museum of its kind in Italy.

The collection

The museum displays more than 150 items donated by collector Giovanni Longo, honorary Master of the Italian Chess Federation. Exhibits span from the 18th century to the present day and include chess clocks, handcrafted sets and rare collectible curiosities.

What to see

• Europe: antique chessboards and historical pieces.
• America: stylistic variants and crafted objects.
• Africa: artisanal sets and symbolic items.
• Asia: monumental sets and traditional materials.
• Multimedia section with video stations on the history of the game and a display dedicated to the 17 world champions.

Services and visits

The museum provides a free app that acts as an audio guide and offers detailed information on each exhibit. The layout is designed to engage both chess enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

Funding: the project was developed by the Municipality of Marostica with support from PNRR funds; total investment €668,000.

Practical information

• Address: Via degli Scacchi, 36063 Marostica (VI), Italy.
• Location: exhibition route on the ground floor of the Castello Inferiore, facing Piazza degli Scacchi.
• Hours and bookings: check the museum's official website for opening times, tickets and guided tours.