Chelsea Football Club celebrates a significant milestone this month as it turns 120 years old on Monday, March 10, 2025. To commemorate this historic occasion, a series of events and activities will take place over the coming months, reflecting on the club’s illustrious past and its cultural impact beyond the pitch. Among the standout highlights is ‘This Game is What We Make It,’ a free exhibition at the renowned Saatchi Gallery in London from March 22-25.

From its founding at the Rising Sun pub in 1905 to its rise as a global footballing powerhouse, Chelsea Football Club has been a trailblazer both on and off the field.

The heart of the celebrations, ‘This Game is What We Make It,’ offers a unique exploration of Chelsea’s identity through football, culture, and creativity. Taking over the Saatchi Gallery for one weekend only, the exhibition will showcase an array of carefully curated artefacts, artwork, and memorabilia that highlight Chelsea’s journey over the last 120 years.

Exhibition highlights include: The Vault – A collection of ten iconic Chelsea shirts from across the decades, each telling a story of a defining moment in the club’s history. These rare jerseys will be accompanied by short films, bringing key milestones to life. Made in Chelsea – A celebration of the cultural influences that have shaped the Blues, featuring music and memorabilia from reggae, punk, rude boy, rave, and Britpop. This section also includes photography from renowned photojournalist and lifelong Chelsea supporter John Ingledew, capturing the essence of the club’s devoted following. John’s photographic prints and the popular The Famous CFC photo zine are avalible to buy via Lower Block. The Future of Creativity and Culture – Chelsea Foundation’s Blue Creator Fund winners will have their original works displayed, spanning film, fashion, design, photography, and rap storytelling. These young, underrepresented creatives will present their fresh perspectives on football and culture, further cementing Chelsea’s role as a pioneer in the sport’s cultural evolution.

With a reputation for setting trends in style, glamour, and influence, Chelsea Football Club has been at the forefront of blending sport with culture. This anniversary exhibition encapsulates Chelsea’s essence, not just as a dominant force in football but as a club that has shaped and been shaped by London’s dynamic cultural landscape.

For fans, historians, and football enthusiasts alike, ‘This Game is What We Make It’ offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in Chelsea’s extraordinary story. The exhibition will be open to the public at the Saatchi Gallery from March 22-25, promising an unforgettable experience that honours the past, celebrates the present, and looks ahead to the future of Chelsea FC.

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