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.

8,197 thoughts on “At the Museum of Communism

  1. At this time it sounds like WordPress is the top blogging platform available
    right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  2. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and
    found that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out
    for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  3. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. That is a really smartly written article.
    I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful information. Thank you for
    the post. I will certainly return.

  4. Awesome issues here. I am very glad to see your post.
    Thank you so much and I am looking forward to contact you.
    Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  5. Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to
    help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords
    but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share.
    Kudos!

  6. Unquestionably consider that that you said. Your favourite
    justification appeared to be at the internet the simplest
    factor to have in mind of. I say to you, I certainly
    get irked at the same time as folks think about concerns that
    they just don’t realize about. You managed to hit the nail
    upon the highest and also outlined out the whole thing without having side-effects , other people could take
    a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

  7. Hi there to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one
    is getting more from this website, and your views are pleasant for
    new viewers.

  8. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and
    wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  9. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
    I’m quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff
    right here! Good luck for the next!

  10. Discover Singapore’s leading furniture store ?nd comprehensive furniture
    showroom — ?our ultimate one-?t?p shop for quality home furnishings and optimised furniture f?r HDB
    interior design Singapore. ?e provide modern ?nd budget-friendly solutions packed ?ith exciting furniture ?ffers, sofa promotions ?nd Singapore
    furniture sale ?ffers tailored to eve?y HDB h?me.Understanding the ?mportance ?f furniture in interior design ?hile buying furniture fo? HDB interior design empowers ?o? to select t?e
    ideal living r?om sofas, quality mattresses ?n ?ll sizes, storage bed f?ames, practical
    study desks and beautiful coffee tables ?y f?llowing smart tips t? buy
    quality bed fr?me, quality sofa bed ?nd quality coffee table.
    ?hether ?ou ar? pdating ?ou? HDB living
    ?oom furniture, bedroom furniture Singapore ?r study space
    ?ith the latest furniture promotions, ou? thoughtfully curated collections combine contemporary design, superior
    comfort ?nd lasting durability t? cr?ate beautiful, functional living spaces t?at perfectly suit modern lifestyles ?cross Singapore.

    We are Singapore’? premier furniture store ?nd expansive furniture showroom — ?our ultimate
    ?ne-stop shop for h?gh-quality ?ome furnishings ?nd smart furniture
    f?r HDB interior design ?n Singapore. Enjoy trendy ?nd val?e-packed solutions ?ith exciting furniture deals,
    bed f?ame promotions ?nd Singapore furniture sale ?ffers create? fo? every
    HDB home. Appreciating t?e ?mportance of furniture ?n interior design ?hile buying
    furniture f?r HDB interior design guides ??u toward
    versatile plush sofas, quality mattresses, sturdy bed f?ames with storage, practical ?omputer desks and beautiful coffee tables —
    follow ?ur expert tips to buy quality sofa bed ?nd quality coffee table for maximum everyday comfort.

    W?ether refreshing ?o?r living room furniture Singapore, bedroom furniture Singapore ?r
    study space ?ith the latest furniture sale ?ffers and
    affordable HDB furniture Singapore, ?ur thoughtfully curated
    collections combine contemporary design, superior comfort ?nd lasting durability t? cre?t? beautiful,
    functional living spaces suited t? modern lifestyles ?cross Singapore.

    Singapore’s best furniture store ?nd large-scale furniture showroom ?ffers t?e ideal ?ne-sto? shop experience for premium ?ome furnishings ?nd
    strategic furniture for HDB interior design. ?e deliver
    stylish ?nd budget-friendly solutions ?ith exciting furniture
    ?ffers, mattress promotions ?nd Singapore furniture sale ?ffers ma?e fo? ??ery Singapore ?ome.
    Th? im?ortance of furniture ?n interior design guides ?very smart decision when buying furniture f?r HDB interior design — f?om plush L-shaped sofas ?nd premium
    mattresses to sturdy bed f?ames, study ?omputer desks ?nd elegant
    coffee tables — ?lways apply expert tips to buy quality sofa bed ?nd quality coffee table for best results.
    Whet?e? you’r? refreshing ?o?r Singapore living ?oom furniture, bedroom furniture Singapore
    or dining room furniture Singapore ?ith the latest furniture promotions,
    ?ur thoughtfully curated collections combine contemporary design, superior comfort ?nd lasting
    durability to crreate beautiful, functional living spaces t?at suit mokdern lifestyles a?ross Singapore.

    ?s Singapore’s premier furniture tore ?nd spacious furniture showroom
    ?n Singapore, ?? are y?ur perfect ?ne-st?p shop for
    quality mattresses Singapore. ?e deliver trendy ?nd affordable solutions
    ?ith exciting Singapore furniture promotions, mattress deals ?nd affordable mattress Singapore tailored t? evety
    HDB h?me. Recognising t?e ?mportance of furniture ?n interior design w?ile buying furniture for HDB
    interior design m?ans choosing t?e perfect premium mattresses — fr?m queen size
    memory foam mattresses ?nd king size hybrid mattressees t? super single latex mattresses annd cooling gel pocket spring
    mattresses t?at deliver syperior sleep comfort ?n compact Singapore
    bedrooms. ?hether you’re refreshing your Singapore bedroom furniture ?ith the ?atest furniture
    promotions, ?ur thoughtfully curated collections combine contemporary design, superior comfort ?nd lasting
    durability t? ?reate beautiful, functional living spaces t?at suit
    modern lifestyles ?cross Singapore.

    Experience Singapore’s premier furniture store ?nd spacious furniture showroom ?s your ultimate one-stop destination f?r
    premium sofas ?n Singapore. Enjoy stylish and budget-friendly solutions featuring
    exciting furniture deals, sofa promotions ?nd Singapore furniture
    sale ?ffers designed fo? eve?? HDB home. ??e im?ortance of furniture
    ?n interior design shines ?hen buying furniture f?r
    HDB interior design — invest ?n quality sofas ?ike L-shaped sectional sofas, elegant 3-seater fabric sofas, modular recliner sofas ?nd
    stylish corner sofas t?at maximise space and comfort ?n space-conscious Singapore
    living ?ooms. Wh?ther updating ?ou? living r?om furniture Singapore ?ith the latest affordable
    sofa Singapore, ?ur carefully curated collections blend contemporary
    design, superior comfort ?nd lasting durability t? ?reate beautiful, functional living spaces t??t suit modern lifestyles
    ac?oss Singapore.

    ?ere ?s my page … office chair fabric material

  11. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to
    be actually something that I think I would
    never understand. It seems too complicated and
    extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post,
    I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  12. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and
    I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I hope to give something back and aid others like you
    aided me.

  13. Right here is the right blog for everyone
    who wants to understand this topic. You know so much
    its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need
    to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic that has been discussed for ages.
    Great stuff, just wonderful!

  14. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found
    a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and
    said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put
    the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.

    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  15. Joint on the internet obstacles ?t OMT construct teamwork in mathematics, cultivating love ?nd cumulative
    inspiration fo? tests.

    Broaden y?ur horizons ?ith OMT’? upcoming new physical space opening ?n ?eptember
    2025, u?ing ?v?n more opportunities f?r hands-on mathematics exploration.

    ?rovided that mathematics plays ? critical role ?n Singapore’s economic advancement and progress, purchasing specialized
    math tuition gears ?p students w?th t?e analytical skills
    ne?ded to thrive ?n a competitive landscape.

    primary tuition ?s ?mportant f?r building durability versus PSLE’? tricky concerns, suc? as those on probability ?nd basic statistics.

    W?th the O Level mathematics curriculum occasionally advancing, tuition maintains trainees upgraded ?n change?, ensuring they ?re well-prepared for current formats.

    Junior college math tuition cultivates critical thinking abilities ne?ded t?
    fi? non-routine issues t?at commonly s?ow u? in A
    Level mathematics assessments.

    OMT’? custom-mad? syllabus distinctly lines ?p with MOE framework ?y supplying
    connecting components f?r smooth transitions ?n bet?een primary, secondary, ?nd JC mathematics.

    Gamified aspects m?ke revision fun lor,
    motivating m?re practice and bring a??ut quality improvements.

    ?n Singapore, wh?re adult participation ?s crucial, math tuition ?ives organized assistance f?r
    ?ome reinforcement towards exams.

    my web blog :: Kaizenaire math tuition singapore

  16. F?r kids transitioning post-PSLE, secondary school math tuition ?s
    essential ?n Singapore to align wit? national standards and expectations.

    ?an lor, with t?? math rankings, Singapore students ?ot bright futures ?ia!

    As moms and dads, diversify vibrantly ?ith Singapore math tuition’? appeal.
    Secondary math tuition examples multicultural.
    ?hrough secondary 1 math tuition, notations
    ?et.

    Secondary 2 math tuition celebrates diversity t?rough inclusive examples.
    Secondary 2 math tuition represents diverse cultures.
    Equitable secondary 2 math tuition cultivates belonging.
    Secondary 2 math tuition joins students.

    Succeeding ?n secondary 3 math exams ?s
    key, with O-Levels ne?r, f?r developing s?lf-confidence.
    Mastery prevents ?arly setbacks. Success boosts coordinate skills.

    Singapore’? sy?tem highlights secondqry 4 exams for perfect settings.
    Secondary 4 math tuition minimizes diversions. ?his peacefulness aids ?-Level efficiency.
    Secondary 4 math tuition calms minds.

    Mathematics ?oes b?yond exams; it’? a cornerstone competency ?n the
    A? boom, powering smart h?m? integrations.

    Love f?r math combined ?ith applying ?t? principles ?n real-life daily scenarios leads t? excellence.

    Practicing t?ese papers from assorted schools ?n Singapore is essential f?r identifying personal weaknesses ?efore
    the secondary math exams approach.

    ?n Singapore, online math tuition ?-learning drives improvements thr?ugh exoplanet data
    f?r statistical analysis.

    Wah lao, parents relax s?a, secondary school
    exams not ?verything, ?on’t stress you? kid unduly o?er studies.

    Collaborative conversations ?n OMT classes develop excitement ??ound mathematics ideas,
    inspiring Singapore pupils t? create love and master tests.

    Join o?r smal?-gro?p on-site classes in Singapore f?r
    personalized guidance ?n a nurturing environment t?at develops strong foundational mathematics abilities.

    Offered t?at mathematics plays ? pivotal role ?n Singapore’? financial development and progress, investing ?n specialized math tuition equips trainees ?ith th? problem-solving skills need?d to grow ?n a competitive landscape.

    Math tuition ?n primary school school bridges gaps ?n classroom
    knowing, making ?ure trainees understand complicated topics ?uch as
    geometry ?nd data analysis ?efore the PSLE.

    Math tuition instructs effective t?m? management techniques, helping secondary students ?omplete ? Level examinations ?ithin th? allotted duration without hurrying.

    Inevitably, junior college math tuition ?s essential to protecting top ? Level res?lts,
    ?pening doors t? prestigious scholarships ?nd college chances.

    OMT’s exclusive syllabus enhances MOE standards ?? supplying scaffolded knowing paths t??t gradually raise in complexity, building pupil confidence.

    OMT’? system tracks your improvement ?ith t?me sia, encouraging ?ou to intend high?r in mathematics qualities.

    ?ith advancing MOE standards, math tuition ?eeps Singapore trainees updated ?n syllabus changes fo? exam readiness.

    Visit my web pa?e; jc math tuition singapore

  17. Excellent items from you, man. I have understand your stuff
    previous to and you’re simply too great. I actually
    like what you’ve received right here, really
    like what you’re stating and the best way wherein you say
    it. You’re making it enjoyable and you still take care of to stay it wise.
    I can not wait to read much more from you. That is really a tremendous site.

  18. If you are going for finest contents like myself, just go to see this
    website all the time as it offers quality contents, thanks

  19. I have been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article
    like yours. It is pretty worth enough for
    me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you
    did, the internet will be much more useful than ever
    before.

  20. I’ve been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I
    never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners
    and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  21. Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this post i thought i could also create comment due to this sensible
    piece of writing.

  22. I do believe all of the ideas you’ve presented in your
    post. They are really convincing and will certainly work.
    Still, the posts are very short for beginners.
    Could you please lengthen them a bit from
    subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

  23. I wa? recommended this blog by way of my ?ousin. I am not
    certain whether this post is written via ?im as nob?dy else know s?ch detailed abo?t my p?oblem.
    You’re wonderful! Thanks!

    Feell free to visit my web site … things to do
    near h?bart indiana – Irish

  24. My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I may as well
    check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
    Look forward to looking at your web page yet again.

  25. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this,
    like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a
    few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog.
    A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  26. The enthusiasm of OMT’? founder, Mr. Justin Tan, shines with ?n mentors, inspiring Singapore
    trainees to fall in love with mathematics f?r test success.

    Join ?ur smal?-group ?n-site classes in Singapore f?r personalized assistance ?n a nurturing environment t?at constructs strong fundamental mathematics skills.

    Singapore’? world-renowned mathematics curriculum highlights conceptual understanding ?ver simple calculation, ma?ing math tuition essential for trainees
    t? comprehend deep ideas and master national exams ?ike PSLE ?nd ?-Levels.

    primary tuition ?? necessary for PSLE a? it p?ovides remedial assistance f?r subjects ?ike who?e numbers ?nd measurements,
    guaranteeing no fundamental weak ?oints continue.

    Tuition promotes innovative analytic abilities, essential f?r resolving t?e facility, multi-step
    inquiries t?at spe?ify O Level math difficulties.

    Ultimately, junior college math tuition ?s key t? securing t?p A Level result?, o?ening ?p doors
    t? distinguished scholarships ?nd ?igher education and learning opportunities.

    OMT’? custom-m?de program distinctly sustains t?? MOE syllabus by stressing mistake evaluation ?nd modification appr?aches to decrease mistakes ?n assessments.

    Adult accessibility t? advance reports ?ne, permitting advice at ?ome for
    sustained quality renovation.

    Singapore’? international ranking in math come? from supplemental tuition t?at refines abilities for international benchmarks
    ?ike PISA ?nd TIMSS.

    ?lso visit m? web blog: h2 maths tuition at yishun

  27. With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues
    of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of
    exclusive content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot
    of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any techniques to
    help stop content from being stolen? I’d truly appreciate it.

  28. Hello there, You have done a great job. I’ll certainly digg
    it and personally recommend to my friends. I am
    sure they will be benefited from this website.

  29. Great site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours these days.
    I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!

  30. I’m e?tremely im?ressed along with yo?? ?riting abilities and also with best water pa?ks aro?nd the world travel
    chann?ltravel channel photos [Gemma] ?tructure
    to your weblog. Is that this a paid topic or d?d you modify it
    your self? Anyway keep up the excel?ent
    quality writing, it’? ra?e to look a nice blog like this one today..

  31. Why people still make use of to read news papers
    when in this technological globe all is available on net?

  32. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s time
    to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I may just I wish to recommend
    you few fascinating issues or advice. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles regarding this article.
    I want to read more issues about it!

  33. I appreciate, cause I discovered exactly
    what I was having a look for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt!

    God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  34. Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts
    and I am waiting for your next post thanks once again.

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.