Visit the World Chess Hall of Fame for the opening reception of Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets! Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets displays a menagerie of animal-themed chess sets from around the world, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the animal kingdom to chess artists. Many of these are from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, while others are on loan from artists, members of Chess Collectors International, and local collectors.
Artists have taken inspiration from the natural world to reinterpret familiar chess pieces for centuries. Some draw on an animal’s reputation to reimagine it as a chess piece—regal lions and powerful Tyrannosaurus rexes, known as the kings of the jungle and dinosaurs, respectively, appear as rulers in some sets. In other cases, artists subvert expectations, elevating meek or delicate creatures like mice or frogs to powerful players when they step—or hop—onto the chess board.
Though the animal kingdom is known for conflict between predator and prey, many of the sets feature humorous perspectives, showcasing pieces inspired by beloved pets or cartoon-like versions of beasts of the wild. Other sets serve as splendid reminders of the spectacular diversity of wildlife in a specific location like the ocean or a jungle. RSVPs are recommended to events@worldchesshof.org
Thursday, January 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., with complimentary admission, valet, and refreshments.
For more information, visit worldchesshof.org
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.
Just Between Friends STL Metro East is a twice-a-year, pop-up kids & maternity consignment sale where local families can shop and save hundreds on everything you need to raise kids.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
Hop into story time with Peter Rabbit at The Magic House! This Peter Rabbit-themed story time is interactive and includes a surprise appearance by Peter Rabbit himself.
