The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has launched a groundbreaking digital museum dedicated to the history of chess. This online museum provides global access to FIDE`s archives, offering both researchers and chess enthusiasts a curated exploration of the game`s rich evolution.
As part of its centenary celebrations in 2024, FIDE has unveiled this online museum, which traces chess history from its ancient origins to contemporary tournaments. The FIDE Open Chess Museum aims to become the world`s most comprehensive collection of chess artifacts, showcasing significant items from all corners of the globe and every period of chess history.
For the first time, a complete historical record of chess is available online for free. This includes rare and previously unseen materials, ranging from hand-annotated score sheets to championship medals and personal items belonging to prominent players. The project also seeks to highlight lesser-known stories and facts from the game`s past.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated that the project provides `a deeper, more detailed view of chess` and reflects `FIDE`s broader effort to engage with the public digitally`.
Dvorkovich explained, `Chess is one of the oldest and most culturally rich sports. Over the centuries, countless books have been written about the game, its players, and events. Much of this information is now online, but a central, official source telling the complete story of chess has been missing. The FIDE Online Chess Museum fills this gap, offering a place to find key information about the most important events and the individuals who shaped the game.`
He added, `We hope that the chess community, and anyone interested in the game, will appreciate the value of these resources, which are now freely available to explore and enrich the sport.`
Visitors can navigate the museum through five thematic sections. The `Collection` section features photographs, handwritten letters, Olympiad posters, commemorative pins, and personal belongings of famous players, along with historical documents and autographs.
The history section starts with a visual timeline outlining the major stages in chess history, up to 1913 and the initial steps towards creating an international chess organization.
A dedicated section traces FIDE`s history from early international efforts in 1913 to its development into the global governing body of chess. This section includes high-quality photos and scans of documents that form the foundation of the organized chess world.
The `World Champions` section offers detailed biographies, annotated games, and key publications documenting the careers and legacies of chess`s greatest players.
This project represents a significant milestone in chess historiography and highlights FIDE`s renewed dedication to public engagement.
In line with FIDE`s motto – `the game is just beginning` – the Open Online Chess Museum is intended to be a continuously evolving project. FIDE encourages other collectors, galleries, national federations, clubs, and players to contribute their collections and artifacts to be featured on the museum`s website.
The museum can be accessed for free at museum.fide.com
Elton Marrow