At the Museum of Communism

Posted on by

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.

5,629 thoughts on “At the Museum of Communism”

  1. Hey hey, Singapore parents, maths ?? p?rhaps
    th? extremely crucial primary subject, fostering innovation f?r pro?lem-solving
    t? creative careers.
    Avo?d take lightly lah, coombine a excellent Junior College alongside maths proficiency ?n order to guarantee h?gh A Levels marks ?lus seamless ?hanges.

    Parents, fear th? gap hor, mathematics groundwork ?emains essential d??ing Junior College t? understanding figures, essential f?r current tech-driven economy.

    River Valley ?igh School Junior College integrates bilingualism ?nd environmental stewardship, producing eco-conscious leaders ?ith international perspectives.
    St?te-of-th?-art laboratories ?nd green efforts support advanced learning ?n sciences ?nd liberal arts.
    Students participate ?n cultural immersions ?nd service tasks, improving
    empathy and skills. ?h? school’s harmonious community promotes resilience ?nd teamwork through sports ?nd arts.
    Graduates aare prepared f?r success in universities ?nd ?eyond, embodying fortitude ?nd
    cultural acumen.

    Eunoia Junior College embodies t?e pinnacle of modern educational innovation,
    housed ?n a striking ?igh-rise campus t?at perfectly incorporates
    common learning ?reas, green locations, ?nd advanced technological centers
    to develop an inspiring environment f?r collaborative ?nd experiential education. The college’s distinct approach of ” gorgeous thinking” encourages students
    to mix intellectual ?nterest wit? kindness ?nd ethical reasoning, supported ?y dynamic academic programs in the arts, sciences, ?nd interdisciplinary research studies that promote creative
    analytical ?nd forward-thinking. Geared ?p w?th t?p-tier centers such a? professional-grade carrying ?ut arts theaters, multimedia studios, ?nd interactive science laboratories, trainees
    ?re empowered t? pursue t?eir enthusiasms and establish remarkable skills ?n ? holistic w?y.

    Through tactical partnerships with leading universities ?nd
    market leaders, t?e college uses enriching opportunities f?r
    undergraduate-level re?earch study, internships, ?nd mentorship that bridge classroom knowinmg ?ith real-?orld applications.
    As ? outcome, Eunoia Junior College’s students develop ?nto thoughtful, durable leaders
    ?ho ?r? not onl? academically achieved ?ut ?ikewise deeply committed t? contributing positively t? a diverse and
    ever-evolving international society.

    ?void ta?e lightly lah, pair a excellent Junior College ?ith
    math superiority t? assure elevated ? Levels marks as we?l ?s
    effortless transitions.
    Mums and Dads, fear t?e difference hor, math base ?emains essential in Junior College ?n grasping figures,
    essential ?n t?day’s online ?ystem.

    ?void tak? lightly lah, link ? excellent Junior Coloege plus maths superiority t? ensure superior A Levels scores
    ?nd seamless shifts.

    Parents, competitive mode ?n lah, strong primary mathematics guides ?n bett?r science comprehension ?nd construction aspirations.

    Wah, mathematics serves ?? t?e base stone of
    primary education, helping children f?r spatial thinking
    t? design paths.

    ?e kiasu and balance studies ?ith rest; burnout ?urts ?-level outcomes.

    Aiyo, lacking robust mathematics ?t Junior College, ?v?n prestigious establishment youngsters could struggle in next-level calculations, th?s build it no? leh.

    M? website – how to start a h2 math tuition class

  5. Thanks for another informative blog. Where else could
    I get that kind of information written in such an ideal method?

    I’ve a undertaking that I’m just now operating
    on, and I have been on the glance out for such info.

  6. Thank you for another informative website. The place else may just
    I get that kind of information written in such an ideal manner?
    I’ve a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.

  7. It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people for
    this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!

    Thanks

  10. Finding th? Be?t Mattress Singapore Has t? Offer – Whaat Mo?t Buyers Mis?

    ?or most Singapore homeowners, buying a mattress singapore ?? one of
    the most personal Singapore furniture decisions t?ey f?c?.
    Most people spend m?r? time choosing ? sofa bed t?an t?ey d? choosing
    t?e mattress they u?e everry night. Th? Somnuz range from Megafurniture ?as designed s?ecifically t? make
    t?is decision clearer for Singapore buyers ?y covering th? four main construction types m?st local families
    compare.

    Singapore’? unique living environment turns mattress buying ?nto a ?igher-stakes decision than many f?rst-time buyers expect.
    B?caus? Singapore ?tays humid almo?t a?l year,
    excellent breathability is essential f?r keeping ? mattress singapore fresh.
    ? large number of Singapore families deal ?ith dust-mite reactions, ?ven if they haven’t connected the dots to their mattress.
    ?any households run thhe aircon al? night, whic? affects ?ow mattress
    singapore materials perform ?n real life.

    Most mattress options sold ?n Singapore fal? into one of
    four main construction categories, ?nd understanding
    t?? real differences helps ?o? choose smarter.
    Pocketed-spring mattresses ?se individually wrapped coils t?at mov? independently, offering excellent motion isolation f?r couples and
    ?enerally b?tter airflow. Memory foam contours closely
    t? the body and excels at pressure relief, ?ut it
    c?n trap heat ?nless specially engineered for cooling.

    Latex is naturally bouncier, sleeps cooler, ?nd resists dust mites ?etter than most foams —
    ? genuine advantage ?n ou? climate. Hybrid mattresses t?? to balance the support ?nd breathability ?f springs with the
    contouring comfort ?f foam o? latex.

    Megafurniture’s Somnuz collection conveniently represents
    t?e main construction types m?st local families consider.
    Firmness is the most disc?ssed mattress feature,
    y?t it’s also the most misunderstood be?ause it feels ?ompletely ?ifferent
    depending on your body weight and sleeping position. ?ide sleepers ?sually ?? best
    on medium-soft to medium so t?e shoulders ?nd hips can sink
    in s?ightly. Ba?k sleepers tend t? prefer medium to medium-firm f?r g?od lumbar support ?ithout flattening t?e natural curve.

    Stomach sleepers ne?d firmer support so
    th? lower ?ack doe?n’t collapse into th? surface.

    HDB and condo bedrooms ?n Singapore are typically ?maller, m?king correct sizing essential rat?er
    than just chasing the biggest option. ?h? cover material ?s one of the most under-appreciated features f?r Singapore
    buyers. Bamboo-fabric covers offer excellent moisture-wicking ?nd
    mild antibacterial properties t??t ?elp the surface stay fresher l?nger.
    ?he water-repellent cover on the Somnuz Comfort Night m?kes it far mo?e practical f?r real Singapore family life.

    Megafurniture’? Somnuz collection ?as created t? match th? most common buyer profiles ?n Singapore.
    The Somnuz Comfy serves ?s the practical entry-level choice — ?
    solid 10-inch pocketed-spring mattress ideal f?r couples or single sleepers ??o want reliable support w?thout premium pricing.
    Somnuz Comforto appeals t? hot sleepers ?nd allergy-sensitive households t?anks to its breathable
    bamboo cover ?nd latex layer. The Somnuz Comfort Night features
    ? water-repellent cover ?nd is perfect f?r families ?ith yo?ng children, pets,
    or anyone ?anting extra moisture protection ?n our climate.
    Premium buyers often choose t?e Somnuz Roman Supreme f?r
    superior materials ?nd long-term comfort.

    The traditional ninet?-?econd showroom test m?st people
    ?o is a?most useless f?r making a g?od decision. ?o get
    usefu? feedback, spend ?t lea?t ten minutes on e?ch model in t?e exact position ?ou
    normally sleep in. Megafurniture’? flagship furniture showroom ?t 134 Joo Seng Road and
    t?e Giant Tampines outlet ?oth display th? full Somnuz
    range in realistic bedroom settings,m?king extended testing muc? easier.

    Make su?e the retailer c?n deliver on yo?r exact timeline, es?ecially if y?u’re
    furnishing a new HDB or condo. Check whethe?
    o?d mattress disposal is included ?nd ?ead the warranty terms carefully — not ?ll “10-year warranties” cover t?e sam? th?ngs.

    Tr?at t?e decision ?eriously ?nd a w?ll-chosen mattress w?ll deliver years
    of comfortable sleep ?ith minim?l issues. ?f morning stiffness, visible sagging,
    ?r increased motion transfer appear, it’s time t? replace — th? body ?ften compensates for a failing mattress ?onger than most people realise.
    Head t? Megafurniture t?day — either their Joo Seng or Tampines furniture showroom — ?nd discover ?hich
    Somnuz mattress ?s the perfect fit for ?our Singapore ?ome.

    my web site: tv cabinet

  12. Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace,
    when i read this paragraph i thought i could also make comment due to this sensible post.

  13. Thank you for the good writeup. It in truth was once a enjoyment account it.
    Glance advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we keep in touch?

  14. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really recognise what
    you are speaking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =).
    We will have a link alternate agreement between us

  15. It’s in fact very complicated in this full
    of activity life to listen news on Television, therefore I just use world
    wide web for that reason, and obtain the newest information.

  16. Xoilac là ?i?m ??n lý t??ng cho nh?ng
    ai ?am mê cá c??c bóng ?á th? thao v?i
    tr?i nghi?m t?i ?u và d?ch v? chuyên nghi?p.
    Nhà cái này không ch? n?i b?t v?i t? l? c??c h?p d?n mà còn mang ??n giao
    di?n tr?c ti?p link bóng ?á m??t mà,
    giúp ng??i ch?i d? dàng theo dõi và ??t c??c hi?u qu?.

  17. Hi there are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you
    require any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would
    be greatly appreciated!

  18. Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the other
    person’s weblog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do same in favor of you.

  20. Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
    There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate
    your content. Please let me know. Thanks

  23. I was recommended this web site by means of my cousin. I’m now not sure whether or not this put up is written by means of him as nobody else know such specified approximately my difficulty.
    You are amazing! Thank you!

  24. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded t?is onto a c?-worker w?? was conducting
    a ?ittle homework on t??s. And h? actu?lly bought me breakfast d?e to
    t?e fa?t that I discovered it f?r him… lol. ?o let me reword this….
    Thanks fo? th? meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending ?ome time to talk about
    this matter ?ere on you? site.

    Have a l?ok at m? web blog: webcam sex

  26. I’ve learn a few good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.

    I surprise how so much effort you set to make such a excellent informative site.

  27. I do not know if it’s just me or if everybody else encountering problems with your website.
    It appears as if some of the text in your content are
    running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback
    and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This may be
    a issue with my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Thank you

  28. Socolive là ?i?m ??n lý t??ng dành cho nh?ng ng??i yêu thích
    cá c??c bóng ?á và th? thao. V?i n?n t?ng hi?n ??i
    và uy tín hàng ??u, Socolive mang ??n tr?i nghi?m cá c??c tr?c
    ti?p cùng link bóng ?á ch?t l??ng, giúp ng??i
    ch?i d? dàng theo dõi và ??t c??c chính xác h?n.

  29. It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this
    useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this.

    Thank you for sharing.

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

  31. This is a very informative post about online casinos and betting platforms.
    I especially liked how it explains the importance of choosing a trusted site before signing up.

    Many players often ask where they can find reliable
    gaming platforms with fair odds and smooth payouts. From what I’ve seen, checking platforms like vn22vip helps
    users compare features, bonuses, and overall experience.

    Thanks for sharing these insights — they’re helpful for both beginners and
    experienced bettors.

  32. I just like the helpful information you provide to your articles.
    I will bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here regularly.
    I’m somewhat certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff proper here!
    Good luck for the next!

  33. What’s up, after reading this awesome paragraph i am also cheerful to share my knowledge here with mates.

  40. Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue with your site in internet explorer, could
    test this? IE still is the market chief and a huge element of people will leave out
    your magnificent writing due to this problem.

  41. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our
    community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on.
    You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to
    you.

  42. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
    However, how could we communicate?

  43. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little homework
    on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him…

    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this
    topic here on your web page.

  46. This is a very informative post about online casinos and betting platforms.
    I especially liked how it explains the importance of choosing a trusted site before signing up.

    Many players often ask where they can find reliable gaming platforms with fair odds and
    smooth payouts. From what I’ve seen, checking platforms like vn22vip helps users compare features, bonuses, and overall experience.

    Thanks for sharing these insights — they’re helpful for both beginners and experienced bettors.

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.