The Harmon Room: A Tribute to The Queen’s Gambit in Lexington

The Queen’s Gambit recently proved to be a breakout winter hit on Netflix, captivating audiences worldwide with the trials and tribulations of Beth Harmon while simultaneously intriguing viewers about the age-old game of chess. This series is based on the 1983 novel of the same name, penned by Walter Tevis, who spent significant time in Kentucky. A hotel in Lexington, where much of the story unfolds, has now introduced a special room inspired by The Queen’s Gambit.

A Unique Collaboration

An initiative was recently undertaken by tourism entity VisitLEX, which partnered with creative agency Cornett, interior designer Isabel Ladd, and preservationist Lucy Jones, aiming to develop a meticulously designed boutique hotel at 21c Lexington.

The Harmon Room: Design and Amenities

Named in honor of Beth Harmon, the troubled chess prodigy heroine of The Queen’s Gambit, The Harmon Room at 21c is a time capsule of American mid-century modern design. It features:

• Vintage accessories
• Nods to the show’s most memorable moments and characters
• Period furniture from private collectors and a local antique shop
• Custom wallpaper designed specifically for the project, titled The Knight’s Gambit
• Complimentary items such as reproductions of the “Lex Liquors” tote bags featured on the show
• Copies of Chess Review magazine and rare chess books available for guests to enjoy

The room also features an actual chess set, enabling guests to refine their skills. Additionally, a limited number of handmade walnut-and-maple chess boards, crafted by the local non-profit Iron Bridge Woodshop, are available for purchase. Guests will be mesmerized by a larger-than-life art installation consisting of chess pieces hanging from the ceiling, contributing to the thematic allure of the space.

For fans of the series planning a trip to Lexington, the experience extends beyond the room itself. VisitLEX has created a Queen’s Gambit Tour that encompasses landmarks and attractions featured in the show, adding depth to the overall experience.

According to VisitLEX VP of Marketing Gathan Borden, “The Queen’s Gambit put a spotlight on Lexington and piqued people’s interest in our community at a time when we could really use a boost. The Harmon Room and all of the activities we have planned around it are our way of rolling out the red carpet for visitors and another fun example of the way we use creativity to market our incredible city.” More information about this unique experience can be found on the official 21c website.