FIDE Launches First Digital Chess Museum
FIDE has launched a unique online museum dedicated to chess history(First Digital Chess Museum). This digital platform offers global access to FIDE’s archives, allowing chess fans and researchers to explore the game’s evolution.
A Journey Through Chess History
As part of its 2024 centenary celebrations, FIDE has introduced the Open Chess Museum. This project aims to be the world’s largest collection of chess artifacts. It showcases valuable items from different eras and regions, making chess history easily accessible to everyone.
For the first time, a complete historical record of chess is available online(First Digital Chess Museum). The museum features rare materials, including handwritten scoresheets, championship medals, and personal belongings of legendary players. It also uncovers lesser-known facts and stories about the game’s past.
A New Digital Era for Chess
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated that this museum offers “a closer, in-depth perspective on chess” and strengthens FIDE’s push towards digital engagement.
“Chess is one of the oldest and richest sports in history,” he said. “While much of its history is available online, there was no single official platform telling the full story. The FIDE Online Chess Museum fills that gap, providing key information about major events and the players who shaped the game.”
He added, “We hope the chess community and newcomers find value in these resources, making the sport even more enriching.”
What’s Inside the Museum?
Visitors can explore five key sections:
Collection – A display of historic photos, handwritten letters, Olympiad posters, commemorative pins, and personal items from famous players.
History – A visual timeline covering chess milestones up to 1913 and the early efforts to form an international chess organization.
FIDE’s Evolution – Tracing FIDE’s journey from 1913 to becoming the global authority of chess, featuring high-quality scans of key documents.
World Champions – Biographies, annotated games, and key publications detailing the careers of the greatest chess players.
A Milestone for Chess Preservation
The launch of this museum marks a major step in documenting chess history. FIDE aims to keep expanding this project. Chess collectors, galleries, national federations, and players are invited to contribute their collections.
The museum is free to access at museum.fide.com.
Photos: FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
