The Chess Players

The Chess Players is a bronze sculpture in John Marshall Park depicting two figures intently focused on their game at a table. The artwork captures the concentration and mental engagement that competitive chess demands.

Lloyd Lillie created this bronze sculpture in 1983 as part of Washington D.C.'s expanding public art collection. The work emerged during a period when the city was enriching its public spaces with artistic installations.

The sculpture depicts two players focused on their game, reflecting how chess remains a social activity in public spaces. Visitors can observe the timeless appeal of this intellectual pursuit in everyday life.

The sculpture is located in John Marshall Park and is easily accessible from Pennsylvania Avenue or Constitution Avenue. The open setting allows visitors to view the artwork from multiple angles and distances.

The sculpture attracts chess players who regularly gather to play around it, creating an active connection between the artwork and recreational play. This everyday use transforms the piece beyond a static monument into a functional part of park life.

Inception: 1983

GPS coordinates: 38.89317,-77.01731

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25