Marostica: the new Museo internazionale degli scacchi "Giovanni Longo"

In Marostica, within the historic Castello Inferiore, Italy’s first museum devoted entirely to chess has opened. Named Museo internazionale degli scacchi "Giovanni Longo" — Città di Marostica, the museum celebrates the town’s long-standing chess tradition, famously represented by the life-size board played in the main square.

The official inauguration takes place on 16 May 2026, marking an important cultural milestone for the region and chess enthusiasts.

What to expect

The museum displays an extensive and varied collection that traces the history and diversity of the game worldwide.

• More than 3,300 items including chessboards, sets, clocks and related artifacts;
• Pieces and objects from multiple countries and cultural traditions;
• Exhibits designed to highlight the graphic and technical evolution of chess pieces;
• Resources for educational programs and guided visits for schools and groups.

The regional councillor Marco Zecchinato will attend the opening, underlining the project’s cultural and tourism importance.

With this initiative, Marostica strengthens its international profile in the world of chess, converting a popular tradition into a permanent museum project aimed at preserving, interpreting and promoting this cultural heritage.