At the Museum of Communism

by the Night Writer

Museum of CommunismI saw this museum advertised the first day we were in Prague and made a note to see it while we were here. I loved the poster, for one thing. It came down to our last weekend and I realized we still needed to go, so we set out. I have to say it is one of the most affecting places I’ve visited over here.

The Czechs are not known for their sense of humor, but it can be found, such as their placing this museum in the same building as a McDonald’s, next to a casino, and across the street from Benetton. There are also some rather rude jokes at the expense of the Russians and Communism in the gift shop, but the museum itself is serious. One might even say, “deadly serious.”

I could write in greater detail about my impressions, but perhaps it’s better to let the people who lived through it do it in their way. I took photos of some of the English-language placards that accompanied the photos and displays. These are also available in French, German, Czech, and several other languages for greater edification. Let’s let them tell the story.

text

“…authorized to issue temporary decrees enforcing laws without any approval of the parliament…” hmmm?

text

Targeting opponents with heinous accusations and show trials, and extravagant media campaigns.

text

A “shock-workers” movement to push laborers to maximum effort, and trade unions declaring that “after the victory of socialism, laborer’s wages would not be important.”

text

Supply and Demand? Why, there ought to be a law…

text

Those in power always find a way to get their luxury goods. Or their groceries.

text

There are no spiritual values, outside the State. There is no beauty, but what serves the State. There is no eternity…but the State. Rape, pillage and pollute the land and consequently the people; it doesn’t matter as long as the State benefits. 

text

A well-regulated militia?

text

You can’t find a more “well-regulated” militia than that: armed groups established by the government as “the fist of the labor class” to intimidate its enemies, especially the labor class. Of course, they couldn’t be trusted with bullets for their guns.

MC 9

 

To get a better feel for the exhibits, take the virtual tour here.

You wind your way through the rooms of the museum in what was once the Savarin Palace. The exhibits feature authentic memorabilia, though “memorabilia” is such a trifling-sounding word that implies nostalgia, and the memories here are far from fond. The last portion on your way out (before the gift shop, Comrade Lenin) is devoted to a small viewing room that plays a short film in a loop describing Czech life from the Communist takeover to the Velvet Revolution in 1989. It was called the “Velvet” Revolution because shots weren’t fired, but that does not mean it was peaceful or that the history leading up to it wasn’t bloody.

I can remember, as a kid, watching the news in 1969 as the Soviet tanks rolled into Prague to crush the “Prague Spring” and any nascent hopes of reform within the Czech Communist Party. This, too, was depicted in the film and on the wall outside the viewing room: riots, beatings, tear-gassing, armed troops and war-machines rolling over the cobblestones of Wenceslas Square that we’d come to know so well, plain-clothes agents in the crowd tackling and kicking protesters, plus accounts of three students who self-immolated in protest against Communist control.Despite the incessant cradle-to-grave indoctrination, propagandizing, intimidation and spying, the Communists couldn’t stamp out hope and a desire for freedom from such a dehumanizing existence.

Communist doctrine often referred to the “inevitability of history” and Communism’s ultimate victory, yet by the 1980s, history was clearly turning against Communism as Poland, Hungary and East Germany shook off the shackles of totalitarianism. Even so, Czechoslovakia’s escape was not a done deal. The first protest drew maybe 10,000 to Wenceslas; as the week went on the numbers grew, until finally 500,000 were crowding in every night to apply pressure and turn the tables of intimidation as they watched their one-time rulers caving in. (Velvet Revolution timeline and summary here).  Blood was still being spilled; certain claws do not release easily, after all. The film ends with a bittersweet poem and images describing how much sweeter survival is after all the bitter pain that preceded it.

As I said, it is very affecting. As we left, I stopped at the desk of the woman who had sold us our tickets. She was about my age, and would have seen 1969 and 1989, and spoke very good English. She was standing, and turned to me. “Thank you,” I said, and she responded with a small, polite smile. “And thank you to people of Prague,” I added, and received a slow, solemn nod.

6,484 thoughts on “At the Museum of Communism

  1. Definitely consider that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the web the easiest thing to be
    aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed
    whilst folks think about worries that they plainly do not realize
    about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top
    and also defined out the entire thing without having side-effects , other people can take a signal.

    Will probably be back to get more. Thank you

  2. KKWin là n?n t?ng gi?i trí tr?c tuy?n ??ng c?p, chuyên cung c?p
    các d?ch v? cá c??c ?a d?ng t? Th? thao, Casino
    tr?c tuy?n ??n N? h? và X? s?. V?i ph??ng châm ??t
    tr?i nghi?m khách hàng lên hàng ??u,
    KKWin cam k?t mang ??n m?t môi tr??ng cá c??c minh b?ch,
    h? th?ng b?o m?t tuy?t ??i cùng
    t?c ?? n?p rút siêu t?c, kh?ng ??nh v? th?
    nhà cái uy tín hàng ??u th? tr??ng
    hi?n nay.

  3. I visited many websites except the audio feature for audio songs current at this web site is really marvelous.

  4. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to
    be really something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your
    next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  5. These are genuinely impressive ideas in regarding blogging.
    You have touched some fastidious things here. Any way keep up wrinting.

  6. OMT’s helpful comments loopholes encourage growth ?tate of mind, helping students adore
    mathematics ?nd feel influenced fo? exams.

    Experience versatile learning anytime, ?nywhere t?rough
    OMT’? detailed online ?-learning platform, including unrestricted access t? video lessons and interactive quizzes.

    ??? holistijc Singapore Math method, ?hich constructs multilayered
    analytical capabilities, underscores ?hy math tuition is vital for mastering t?e curriculum and
    gett?ng ready for future professions.

    primary school math tuition builds exam stamina t?rough timed drills, mimicking t?e PSLE’s two-paper format ?nd helping students handle tim?
    efficiently.

    Individualized math tuition ?n secondary school addresses
    individual discovering spaces ?n topics ?ike calculus ?nd data,
    avoiding them fr?m preventing O Level success.

    Tuition integrates pure ?nd applied mathematics perfectly, preparing students f?r the interdisciplinary nature
    of A Level p?oblems.

    OMT sets ?tself apa?t wit? an exclusive curriculum t??t expands MOE material ??
    including enrichment tasks targeted ?t developing mathematical intuition.

    Limitless access t? worksheets ?ndicates you exercise ?ntil shiok, enhancing your math confidence and grades ?n no time.

    In Singapore’s affordable education landscape, math tuitio supplies t?e a?ded edge neede? for
    students t? master hig?-stakes exams l?ke the PSLE, O-Levels,
    ?nd ?-Levels.

  7. Currently it looks like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform
    available right now. (from what I’ve read)
    Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  8. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this excellent blog!
    I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates
    and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group.
    Talk soon!

  9. Kaizenaire.com succeeds ?s the supreme curator of Singapore’? shopping promotions.

    Singapore’? international fame ?s a shopping location is driven ?y Singaporeans’ steady love for
    promotions ?nd cost savings.

    Getting involved in cosplay conventions excites anime fans ?n Singapore, ?nd remember
    to stay upgraded ?n Singapore’s most r?cent promotions
    and shopping deals.

    Love, Bonito suplies ladies’? clothing with flexible styles, preferred ?? Singaporean women for their lovely fits ?nd contemporary style.

    Netflix streams films ?nd series lah, valued ?y Singaporeans fo? their binge-worthy material ?nd customized recommendations lor.

    SATS ?td ?rovides airline meals and food solutions, favored f?r
    efficient, quality institutional eating.

    ?etter not be ?orry f?r lor, Kaizenaire.?om h?? the lat??t promotions and deals f?r
    ?ll yo?r shopping need? sia.

    A??? visit my blog post: singapore shopping

  10. Kaizenaire.com curates promotions fr?m Singapore’? beloved brand names easily.

    Promotions ?pecify the shopping experience ?n Singapore, thee paradise f?r bargain-seeking citizens.

    Singaporeans f?nd pleasure ?n cooking homemade deals ?ith
    ?n the?r kitchen ?reas, and remember to rem?in upgraded on Singapore’? latest
    promotions and shopping deals.

    DBS, a t?? financial organization in Singapore, ?ffers ? wide variety ?f economic solutions from digital
    financioal to riches management, ?hich Singaporeans adore f?r t?eir seamless assimilation int? daily life.

    ?he Closet Lover provides affordable stylish clothing
    ?ne, favored ?y budget-conscious fashionistas ?n Singapore f?r the?r constant updates mah.

    Fou? Leaves satisfies ?ith Japanese-inspired breads and pastries,
    cherished f?r soft structures ?nd ingenious dental fillings
    t?at ?eep residents ?oming back.

    Do not m?ss out leh, Kaizenaire.?om a?wa?s updating with
    fresh discount rates ?nd offers for savvy
    shoppers lik? you lor.

    Here is m? blog :: jurong bird park promotions

  11. I think this is among the most vital information for me.

    And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is ideal, the articles is really nice : D.
    Good job, cheers

  12. If some one wishes to be updated with newest technologies then he
    must be go to see this web site and be up to date all the time.

  13. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
    it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting
    things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this
    article. I want to read more things about it!

  14. Visual aids in OMT’s curriculum m?ke abstract ideas tangible, cultivating ? deep appreciation f?r mathematics ?nd inspiration to conquer tests.

    Discover t?e convenience of 24/7 online math tuition ?t OMT, w?ere
    appealing resources make finding out fun and reliable for a?l levels.

    Singapore’s focus on impo?tant analyzing mathematics highlights t?e im?ortance of
    math tuition, which assists trainees establish t?e analytical abilities required ?y the nation’s forward-thinking curriculum.

    primary math tuition (Bonnie)
    constructs examination endurance t?rough timed drills, imitating t?e
    PSLE’s two-paper format and helping students manage t?me effectively.

    ?n-depth comments f?om tuition instructors on practice attempts assists secondary
    pupils pick ?p from mistakes, enhancing accuracy f?r the real O Levels.

    Getting ready f?r the changability of A Level inquiries,
    tuition establishes adaptive analytical methods f?r real-tim? exam circumstances.

    Unli?? common tuition centers, OMT’? personalized syllabus boosts
    t?e MOE framework ?y incorporating real-w?rld applications,
    ma?ing abstract math ideas ? lot m?re relatable ?nd reasonable f?r students.

    Video clip explanations ??e c?ear and appealing lor, aiding yoou
    grasp complicated concepts ?nd lift your grades effortlessly.

    ?ith restricted class t?m? in schools, math tuition extends
    learning ?o?rs, crucial f?r understanding
    t?e extensive Singapore math curriculum.

  15. If you would like to increase your knowledge only keep
    visiting this site and be updated with the most recent news update posted here.

  16. Mattress Singapore Buying Guide 2026: ?ow to Choose the Perfect Mattress f?r ?our
    Home

    When it com?s to Singapore furniture purchases, few decisions feel as personal
    ?r im?ortant as selecting the rig?t mattress.

    ??e pressure ?s real — y?u test for seconds in the furniture showroom, ?ut live ?ith th? result f?r ?ears.

    The Somnuz range from Megafurniture ??s designed specifical?y to m?ke
    this decision clearer f?r Singapore buyers
    ?y covering the four main construction types most local families compare.

    Singapore’? unique living environment t?rns mattress buying into a higher-stakes decision t?an many fir?t-time buyers expect.
    ?ecause Singapore ?tays humid almo?t all ?ear,
    excellent breathability ?s essential f?r keeping a mattress
    singapore fresh. Dust mites thrive ?n thi? climate,
    m?king hypoallergenic materials ? real advantage f?r many households.
    ?he widespread u?e of aircon at night can make c?rtain foam types feel firmer
    ?r ?ess comfortable t?an th?y did under bright furniture
    store lights.

    Most mattress options sold ?n Singapore f?ll ?nto
    ?ne of fou? main construction categories, ?nd understanding t?e real differences helps ?ou choose smarter.
    Individual pocketed spring systems ?ive go?? support and stay noticeably
    cooler t?an solid foam blocks. Pure memory foam delivers excellent
    body contouring, ?et many Singapore buyers no? prefer versions ?ith ?dded cooling technology.
    Natural latex options feel lively ?nd stay cooler while being more resistant to dust mites t??n standard
    foam. ?any modern hybrids pair pocketed springs ?ith targeted foam ?r latex
    layers for balanced support ?nd temperature regulation.

    ?he Somnuz range at Megafurniture ?as cre?ted t? let Singapore buyers compare the?e four
    categories diretly ?nd easily. Choosing the right firmness level ?s f?r more personal t?an most mattress singapore
    shoppers expect. ?ide sleepers genera?ly benefit f?om medium-soft t? medium firmness f?r proper spinal alignment.
    ?ack sleepers tend t? prefer medium t?
    medium-firm f?r good lumbar support without flattening the natural curve.
    Stomach sleepers ne?d firmer support ?o t?e lower bac? do?sn’t collapse
    ?nto the surface.

    Becau?e most Singapore homes h?ve tighter bedroom dimensions,
    choosing t?e right mattress singapore size prevents t?e room
    f?om feeling cramped. ??e to? layer of
    ?ny mattress singapore plays ? bigger role in local conditions t?an m?ny people realise.
    Bamboo-fabric covers offer excellent moisture-wicking ?nd mild antibacterial properties t?at hel? the surface stay fresher ?onger.
    ?he water-repellent cover ?n t?e Somnuz Comfort Night
    makes it far more practical f?r real Singapore family
    life.

    ?he Somnuz range from Megafurniture maps cleanly ?nto t?e different needs most
    Singapore buyers ?ave. For val?e-conscious buyers,
    t?e Somnuz Comfy delivers good independent coil support ?t an accessible
    pri?? point. If you want bett?r cooling and allergen resistance, t?e Somnuz Comforto ?ith its bamboo-latex combination is often the smarter pick.
    ??e water-repellent Somnuz Comfort Night ?s espec?ally popular ?ith families
    ?h? w?nt practical peace ?f mind in Singapore’? humid environment.
    Th? t?p-tier Somnuz Roman Supreme delivers premium support
    ?nd luxury feel fo? buyers will?ng to invest ?n t?e ?ighest comfort
    level.

    ?he traditional ninet?-se?ond showroom test most people ??
    is almost useless for making a good decision. To get useful feedback, spend at
    l?ast t?n minuteds on each model ?n the exact position you normall? sleep in. ?ou can tr? the ?ntire Somnuz collection comfortably
    ?t Megafurniture’s Joo Seng flagship ?r Tampines outlet.

    Confirm delivery timing matches ?our move-in ?r renovation schedule — t?i? i? one of th? m??t
    common pain po?nts for new BTO owners. Ask about old mattress removal ?nd study
    t?e warranty details b?fore you sign.

    ?ith t?? ?ight choice, ? ?ood mattress f?om a reputable furniture store l?ke Megafurniture
    ?ill serve yo? well for near?y a decade. Watch
    fo? gradual signs lik? new back pain, centre sagging,o? partner disturbance — t?ese ar? clear signals tthe mattress ??s reached t?e end of it? us?ful life.

    Visit Megafurniture’? furniture store ?r browse th?ir f?ll
    mattress collection ??ine to find the Somnuz model that matches
    ?our ne?ds and budget.

    ?t?? by my web-site … bedside table

  17. Hi there, I discovered your blog by means of Google even as searching for
    a comparable matter, your site got here up, it appears good.

    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just turned into alert to your weblog through Google, and located that it is really informative.
    I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate for those
    who proceed this in future. A lot of other people can be benefited from your writing.

    Cheers!

  18. I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be using?
    I’m having some minor security issues with my latest website and I’d
    like to find something more safe. Do you have any recommendations?

  19. OMT’s updated sources maintain mathematics fresh ?nd inte?esting, inspiring Singapore
    students t? embrace it ?ompletely for examination victories.

    Preparfe f?r success in upcoming exams with OMT math tuition; Veronique,’?
    exclusive curriculum, c?eated to foster critical thinking
    and s??f-confidence ?n ?v?ry trainee.

    The holistic Singapore Math method, ?hich develops multilayered ?roblem-solving
    abilities, underscores ?hy math tuition is vital for mastering the curriculum
    and preparing f?r future professions.

    Math tuition assists primaary students stand ?ut in PSLE b? strengthening the Singapore Math curriculum’? bar modeling strategy f?r visual pro?lem-solving.

    Tuition promotes advanced analytic skills, essential f?r addressing t?e complicated,
    multi-step inquiries t??t spe?ify O Level math difficulties.

    W?t? A Levels requiring proficiency ?n vectors and complicated
    num?ers, math tuition ?ives targeted technique t? handle these abstract concepts su?cessfully.

    Distinctly, OMT matches t?e MOE curriculum w?th a custom program
    featuring analysis evaluations t? tailor material t? e?ery pupil’s strengths.

    ?horough services offered on the internet leh, training ?ou j?st how to solve
    troubles appropriately f?r better qualities.

    In a busy Singapore class, math tuition ?ffers th? slower,
    th?rough descriptions ne?ded to develop confidence f?r examinations.

  20. Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I
    must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
    Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at
    a reasonable price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

  21. Hey there! This post could not be written any better!
    Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate!

    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to
    him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  22. Tremendous things here. I’m very satisfied to peer your post.
    Thank you a lot and I am having a look forward to
    touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  23. If you wish for to increase your knowledge simply
    keep visiting this web page and be updated with the newest information posted here.

  24. Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this site daily, this website is in fact
    pleasant and the visitors are actually sharing fastidious
    thoughts.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.