WSHM from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass Native American beaded bags and beads color block Children enjoying the History Lab Time Connector The History Museum and the Museum of Glass color block Salish weavers in the Hall of History

Featured Exhibit

The Many Shapes of Chess

Now through November 21


This chess set represents King Arthur and his knights.
Made by the ANRI company, Italy. Wood, paint. (Maryhill Museum of Art)

International chess sets and individual playing pieces from prominent collections are on display. The ornately carved and painted chess pieces represent various time-periods and cultures from around the world. Among the displayed artifacts are Alice in Wonderland themed pieces, a Nixon and McGovern presidential election set, an ivory Indian set, and more.

Organized by the Washington State History Museum.

Reynard the Fox
Reynard the Fox is one of the animals depicted in this set. Reynard is a popular character in European folklore, similar to Coyotes in American Indian stories. (Maryhill Museum of Art)
Hardware set
The idea for chess sets made from nuts and bolts grew out of the Dada art movement. Dadaists liked the idea of using everyday objects in new and surprising ways to provoke thought. (Maryhill Museum of Art)
Circus poster featuring airplane rides
The highly detailed pieces in this set depict a battle between Alexander the Great of Greece and King Porus of India which took place in 326 B.C. (Maryhill Museum of Art)
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