Giovanni Longo International Chess Museum — Inauguration
Italy's first international chess museum opens in the Lower Castle
About Marostica Chess Museum
Italy's First Chess Museum
With the inauguration of the "Giovanni Longo" International Chess Museum, Marostica (province of Vicenza, Veneto) strengthens the deep connection that has united the city with the game of chess for centuries. Located inside the Lower Castle, along Via degli Scacchi, it is considered the first and most important museum of its kind in Italy and one of the few in Europe.
A Collection from Around the World
The museum exhibits approximately 150 pieces — chessboards and chess sets from all over the world, from the 18th century to the present day — donated by collector Giovanni Longo. The exhibition is organized into four thematic rooms dedicated to the continents: Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. Tactile installations are also planned for visually impaired visitors, aiming for full accessibility.
An Investment in Culture
Built with funds from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and the Municipality of Marostica, with a total investment of €668,000, the museum represents a new cultural hub for the walled town, capable of attracting both chess enthusiasts and visitors interested in history and culture.
Marostica Chess Museum — edition 2026
The inauguration of the "Giovanni Longo" International Chess Museum takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Marostica's Lower Castle. The museum, the first of its kind in Italy, houses about 150 chessboards and sets from around the world, dating from the 18th century to the present, donated by collector Giovanni Longo and divided into four thematic rooms (Europe, America, Africa, Asia). Tactile installations for the visually impaired are planned. The project was funded by the PNRR (€405,000) and the Municipality of Marostica (€263,000), for a total investment of €668,000.
Programme Marostica Chess Museum 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026
- 4:00 PM — Inauguration ceremony of the "Giovanni Longo" International Chess Museum in the Lower Castle, Via degli Scacchi.
- Opening to the public of the four thematic rooms dedicated to Europe, America, Africa, and Asia, featuring the collection of approximately 150 pieces donated by Giovanni Longo.
Details on visiting hours and tickets are available on the official website museoscacchimarostica.it.
Highlights Marostica Chess Museum 2026
Prices Marostica Chess Museum 2026
Practical information — Marostica Chess Museum
Getting Here
Marostica is accessible by car from the A31 motorway (exit Dueville or Thiene-Schio) towards Bassano del Grappa. The nearest train station is Bassano del Grappa (approx. 8 km). The museum is located in the Lower Castle, on Via degli Scacchi, in the historic center.
Information
Details on opening hours and tickets can be found on the official website museoscacchimarostica.it.
Accessibility
The museum features tactile installations for visually impaired visitors.
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Where does it take place — Marostica Chess Museum
Castello Inferiore
Via degli Scacchi, 36063 Marostica