Exhibition opening: August 4, 2025
On view until: October 12, 2025
Where: platform in front of the museum
Author of the exhibition and texts: Andreja Zupanec Bajželj
This year, the Slovenian Chess Federation celebrates its 90th anniversary. Although the beginnings of official chess activities date back to 1921, when the founding General Assembly of the Yugoslav Chess Federation was held in Celje, the year 1935 is considered pivotal. That year, twenty clubs from the former Drava Banovina formally confirmed the founding of the Slovenian Chess Federation, laying the foundation for today’s national organisation.
Prof. Dr Milan Vidmar (1885–1962) was instrumental in establishing the international reputation of Slovenian chess Masters, both male and female. He was the first Slovenian Grandmaster and, in the early 20th century, ranked among the world’s top players. After nine decades of activity, the Federation can now proudly count 19 Grandmasters, five Women Grandmasters, and three World Junior Champions among its ranks.
The photographs selected for the exhibition are divided into five thematic sections. Each highlights key moments in the story of chess in Slovenia in its own way – from the first club matches and Yugoslav championships, to numerous international tournaments and encounters with some of the biggest names in world chess. These images invite visitors to explore, reflect and discover the untold stories that Slovenian chess has written and continues to write.
The exhibition was created in collaboration with the Slovenian Chess Federation and is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.