History of the Museum

Giovanni Longo, an entrepreneur and honorary chess master, began his chess set collection with a set gifted by his father. Over the years, the collection grew to include more than 200 sets from around the world and from different historical periods, not counting tournament clocks, paintings, objects, and first-day envelopes.

First meeting between some representatives of the Municipal Administration and Giovanni Longo. From this meeting arises the idea to create the first international museum dedicated to the game of chess.

Giovanni Longo submitted a proposal to the municipality of Marostica, in which he expressed his intention to donate part of his collection on the condition that the municipal administration dedicate a permanent exhibition space open to the public.

The municipal council expressed favorable support for Giovanni Longo's proposal and began the process aimed at opening a museum to host the collection. The museum will be located in the Lower Castle of Marostica, a symbolic site of the city closely linked to the tradition of chess.

The municipality of Marostica has appointed a qualified professional to design the museum.

The Ministry of Culture has awarded the city of Marostica a significant grant for the creation of the museum.

The Mayor signs the notarial deed of donation, through which Giovanni Longo donates part of his collection to the City of Marostica.

The appointed designer presents the new executive project for the museum dedicated to the game of chess, which is approved by the Municipal Council.

Giovanni Longo and other benefactors propose to donate or grant the use of additional chess sets and works related to the game of chess to the City of Marostica. The municipal administration accepts the artworks intended to enrich the museum’s collection.

Completion of the works in the museum rooms and beginning of the exhibition setup.