Get Social with Sips, Concerts, and Art in STL!

The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries is proud to present a special sneak preview of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis' (OTSL) highly anticipated 2026 Festival Season. Step into our intimate, one-of-a-kind venue, where you can enjoy world-class voices surrounded by thought-provoking exhibitions. This is an evening for cultural connoisseurs to discover the next must-see theatrical events.

The Program: Four Operas, One Night
This unique performance offers a guided tour through the musical landscape of OTSL’s upcoming festival. Hear the most beloved arias and ensembles from four diverse productions:

• A classic comic operetta: The Pirates of Penzance
• A Tony Award-winning musical theatre gem: The Light in the Piazza
• A defining American opera: A Streetcar Named Desire
• A grand romantic tragedy: Romeo and Juliet

From classic to contemporary, you’ll leave humming some of opera’s most beloved tunes and eager for OTSL’s opening night in May!

The Performers: The Stars of Tomorrow
Experience the powerful voices of the OTSL Gerdine Young Artists, recognized nationally as some of the finest emerging talent in the opera world. More than 1,000 artists apply for the program each year, and just 30 are selected in a nationwide audition tour. Hear these stars on the rise in St. Louis before their careers take them to leading opera houses across the country!

Thematic Connection: Strategy on the Stage
Just as a master chess player plans multiple moves ahead, opera productions represent years of planning and production that come together to create a unified emotional experience. This preview celebrates that strategic and artistic depth, connecting the high-stakes drama of the opera stage to the intellectual intensity found within the Hall of Fame.

Venue, Tickets, and Full Schedule
Experience this concert surrounded by our incredible permanent and rotating art exhibitions and history exhibits.

Full Evening Schedule:

• 5:30 PM: Doors Open (Cash bar available)
• 6:00 PM: Artist Talk with WCHOF Music Director Brian Woods
• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Concert Performance

Details:

Join us for the opening of Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports, an expansive exhibition spanning three galleries that explores how discipline and strategy unite the physical and mental arenas of play. Discover how elite athletes use chess to sharpen their tactics, and how chess players participate in athletics to increase their mental focus and physical endurance. This year-long celebration also highlights hybrid sports like chess boxing, Missouri sports legends, and the dynamic Saint Louis chess scene fostered by Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield. Enjoy the evening with complimentary admission, valet, and refreshments from Brennan's.

Ever walked through a museum and wished you could ask, "What’s the story behind that?" Now’s your chance! Whether you’re a grandmaster or you just think the pieces look cool, these tours are designed for everyone. Join us for an afternoon of insider stories, fascinating exhibits, and the kind of behind-the-scenes facts you won't find in a label. We’re stripping away the "hushed museum" vibe and replacing it with lively conversation and expert insights.

Current Exhibition on View
Experience a journey through a genre-blending fusion of jazz, soul, funk, and modern textures with:

GET READY FOR CREATIVE CRAFTING!
Join the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, Saint Louis's premier cultural destination, for a unique, approachable, hands-on workshop. This family-friendly program is a highlight of the local calendar and a fun way to experience chess education through creative play.

The Program: Create Your Own Sports Keychain
Enjoy a fun self-led activity where you can customize your own keychain to represent your favorite sport. Visit our Play & Create Space to design a unique accessory using baubles, beads, and even chess pieces to attach to your keys, backpack, or gym bag! All supplies for this self-led activity are included, and no chess experience is needed to join in!