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.

5,699 thoughts on “At the Museum of Communism

  1. Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality was once a leisure account it.
    Glance complex to more introduced agreeable
    from you! However, how can we communicate?

  2. Mattress Singapore Buying Guide 2026: H?w to Choose the Perfect Mattress
    f?r Your ?ome

    Choosing ? new mattress singapore i? one of the biggest Singapore furniture investments most households ?ill make, y?t it’s surprisingly easy t? get wrong.
    You’re expected to decide ?fter lying ?n ? showroom sample f?r just a minut? or
    two, even tho?gh you’ll sleep on it ??ery single
    night f?r the next 8–12 ?ears. T?e Somnuz range fr?m Megafurniture was designed sp?cifically t? m?ke thi? decision clearer f?r
    Singapore buyers ?y covering t?e fo?r main construction types m?st local families compare.

    In Singapore, ?everal local factors m?ke mattress
    selection m??e ?mportant than in othe? countries.

    Singapore’s ?ear-?ound humidity puts extra pressure ?n moisture
    management ?nside ?ny mattress. ? la?ge numbe? of Singapore families deal ?ith dust-mite reactions,
    ?ven if they haven’t connected t?? dots to
    the?r mattress. Overnight air-conditioning ?s? als? changes ho? diff?rent foams
    ?nd covers behave compared ?ith showroom testing.

    Singapore mattress shop shelves ?re dominated ?y f?ur main construction categories —
    ?ach w?t? its o?n strengths ?nd t?ade-offs.

    Individual pocketed spring systems ?ive good support and stay noticeably cooler t?an solid foam blocks.
    Memory foam contours closely t? t?e body and excels
    ?t pressure relief, ?ut ?t ??n trap heat ?nless specially engineered f?r cooling.
    Latex mattresses stand ?ut for t?eir responsive bounce,
    superior breathability, ?nd built-in resistance to allergens ?nd mould.
    M?ny modern hybrids pair pocketed springs ?ith targeted
    foam ?r latex layers for balanced support and temperature
    regulation.

    Megafurniture’? Somnuz collection conveniently represents
    the main construction types m??t local families ?onsider.
    Firmness levels ?r? talked about constantly, ?ut wh?t feels firm
    t? one person can feel medium o? soft t?
    ?nother. ?ide sleepers ?enerally benefit f?om medium-soft t? medium firmness f?r proper
    spinal alignment. ?or back sleepers, medium to medium-firm ?sually ?rovides the best balance of support and comfort.
    Firm mattresses ?ork bett?r for stomach sleepers ?ecause the? kee? th? spine in better alignment.

    HDB ?nd condo bedrooms ?n Singapore are typically ?maller, m?king correct sizing essential
    ?ather t?an ju?t chasing the biggest option. Cover
    fabric choice matters m??e in Singapore t?an mo?t buyers
    initially th?nk. Bamboo-fabric covers offer excellent moisture-wicking ?nd mild
    antibacterial properties t?at ?elp the surface stay fresher
    ?onger. The water-repellent cover ?n t?e Somnuz Comfort Night ma?e? it far mo?e practical f?r
    real Singapore family life.

    ?he Somnuz range from Megafurniture maps cleanly ?nto the
    ?ifferent nee?s m?st Singapore buyers hav?.
    ?or value-conscious buyers, t?e Somnuz Comfy delivers ?ood
    independent coil support at an accessible ?rice po?nt.
    Somnuz Comforto appeals t? hot sleepers and allergy-sensitive households t?anks
    to its breathable bamboo cover ?nd latex layer.
    ?he water-repellent Somnuz Comfort Night ?s e?pecially popular with families ?ho want practical peace of mind in Singapore’? humid environment.
    Premium buyers ?ften choose th? Somnuz Roman Supreme
    f?r superior materials ?nd long-term comfort.

    ?ost people test mattresses t?? wrong ?ay during furniture showroom
    visitss — ?nd it leads to regret ?ater. Bring
    you? o?n pilloow and test toget?e? with you?
    partner so ?o? can feel real motion transfer ?nd pressure points.

    Both Megafurniture showrooms ?et you test th? Somnuz mattresses properly ?n proper bedroom environments
    ?ather t?an on ? bare sales floor.

    Ma?e su?e the retailer can deliver ?n ?our exact timeline, es?ecially
    if you’re furnishing a new HDB or condo. Check wh?ther ?ld mattress disposal ?s included
    and read the warranty terms carefully —not ?ll “10-year
    warranties” cover t?e same things.

    Treat the decision ?eriously and a well-chosen mattress singapore ?ill deliver ?ears of comfortable sleep ?ith m?nimal issues.
    Watch fo? gradual signs ?ike new ?ack pain, centre sagging, orr partner
    disturbance — t?e?e are clear signals t?e mattress has reached the ?nd of its useful life.
    Head t? Megafurniture today —?ither their Joo Seng or Tampines furniture
    showroom — ?nd discover whic? Somnuz mattress is the perfect fit for
    your Singapore ?ome.

    Feel free t? surf to my page 2 seater fabric sofa

  3. I’ve been surfing on-line more than 3 hours nowadays,
    yet I by no means found any interesting article like yours.
    It is beautiful value sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners
    and bloggers made good content material as you probably did, the web
    will be much more helpful than ever before.

  4. Get in touch ?ith Singapore’s lively deals landscape t?rough Kaizenaire.?om, the leading website f?r promotions ?nd event ?ffers
    from prominent companies.

    Singaporeans light ?? with promotions, embodying t?e spirit ?f Singapore ?s the are?’s premier shopping paradise.

    Practicing calligraphy maintains traditional arts f?r heritage-loving Singaporeans,
    ?nd keep in mind t? stay updated ?n Singapore’? late?t promotions ?nd shopping deals.

    SATS handles air travel ?nd food remedies, appreciated ?y Singaporeans
    for th?ir ?n-flight wedding catering ?nd ground handling effectiveness.

    Pearlie ?hite ?ffers dental treatment items ?ike tookthpaste lah, favored ?y health-conscious Singaporeans f?r t?eir bleaching formulas lor.

    Ichiban Boshi ?ses conveyor belt sushi ?nd bentos, treasured f?r enjoyable, family-friendly
    dishes ?ith authentic tastes.

    ?uch bette? safe t?an ?orry leh, Kaizenaire.?om updates regularly w?th
    deals y?u can’t withstand ?ne.

    Her? i? my blog :: term deposit promotions

  5. hello!,I like your writing so so much! proportion we keep in touch extra about your
    post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to resolve my problem.
    May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to see you.

  6. ?????????????????????????????
    ??????????????????????????????????
    ?????????{????????????????}???????????????
    ??????????????????????????{???????????}?
    ????????????????????????????????????????
    ??????????????????????????????????????
    ???????????????????????????????????
    ?????????????????????????????
    ?????????????????{??????????????????}?
    ??????????????????????????????
    ??????????????????????????????????

  7. I love what you guys tend to be up too. This kind of clever work
    and reporting! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve incorporated you
    guys to my blogroll.

  8. Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most
    blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had
    to ask!

  9. Hello, i feel that i saw you visited my website thus i got here to
    return the choose?.I am attempting to in finding issues to
    enhance my site!I assume its good enough to make use of some of your ideas!!

  10. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a
    comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Thank you!

  11. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your site?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way
    of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful
    lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  12. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest
    twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some
    time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something
    like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.

    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  13. Tremendous things here. I am very happy to peer your post.

    Thanks a lot and I am having a look forward to touch you.

    Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  14. ?? ????? ???

    ???? ?????? ?? ??? ????

    ???????? ?????? ????

    ????? ????

    ??? ??????

    ??????

    ???? ????? ????? ????

    ??????

    ??????????? ???

    enfejar?nline ?????

    ?

    ???? sibbet

    ?????? ???? ????? ?????

    ?? ??

    ??? ???

    ?

    ??? ?? ????

    ???? ?????????

    Here is my web page: ???? ???? ?????

  15. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and
    I am waiting for your further post thanks once again.

  16. I simply could not go away your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual info an individual provide in your guests?
    Is gonna be again steadily to inspect new posts

  17. What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this web page regularly, this web page is
    truly pleasant and the visitors are really sharing fastidious thoughts.

  18. What’s up to all, the contents existing at this web
    page are truly awesome for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.

  19. Amazing! Its really awesome paragraph, I have got much clear idea regarding from this piece of writing.

  20. ?????????

    ???? ?????? ??

    ???????? ?????

    ?? ? ??? ????

    ??? ??????

    ??????? ????? ????

    ????????? ????

    ?? ??? ????

    ??????????? ???

    enfeja?online ???????

    ?

    sibbet ?????

    ?? ?? ??? ???? ???? ????

    ?? ?? ??????

    ???? ???? ???

    ?

    ????????

    ???????? ???

    my site; ????? ??? ?????

  21. Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?

    I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss
    and would love to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my audience would value your work. If you are even remotely
    interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  22. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic 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!

  23. Greetings from California! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your
    site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you provide
    here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed
    at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
    Anyhow, wonderful blog!

  24. It is 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 wish to suggest you few interesting things or
    advice. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

  25. Essa circunstância, bem como chamada de impotência sexual, caracteriza-se pela problema
    persistente de adquirir ou preservar uma ereção satisfatória para uma ligação sexual plena.

    A dose máxima é de 100mg. Tomar uma dose maior do que essa só
    provoca efeitos nocivos, como dores de cabeça e aceleração da regularidade cardíaca”. O corpo humano dele não vai ser obrigado a do medicamento, todavia a cabeça vai”.
    Ambos os hábitos prejudicam a saúde vascular e
    conseguem interferir na técnica do corpo humano de conservar uma ereção satisfatória.
    Alterações hormonais: A redução nos níveis de testosterona e outros desequilíbrios endócrinos podem apagar a libido e interferir pela experiência de ereção.
    A disfunção erétil pode estar associada a outros
    defeitos de saúde, como hipertensão arterial, diabetes, desequilíbrios hormonais e até doenças cardiovasculares.
    Avaliação médica detalhada: Investigar fatores
    físicos, como doenças crônicas (diabetes, hipertensão arterial), distúrbios hormonais e uso de certos medicamentos.
    Avaliação cardiovascular: Eletrocardiograma, ecocardiograma e teste de esteira podem ser
    solicitados no momento em que se suspeita de doenças cardíacas ou vasculares como fator pra
    disfunção erétil. Além desses, o checape
    de tumescência peniana noturna (ou teste do anel) podes ser utilizado pra estabelecer se ocorrem ereções espontâneas no decorrer do sono. https://Diet365.fit/g1-relax-prost-funciona-anvisa-composicao-preco-valor-comprar-resenha-farmacia-bula-reclame-aqui-saiba-tudo-2025/

  26. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site.
    I really hope to view the same high-grade content from you
    later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me
    to get my own, personal website now 😉

  27. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a
    little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast due to the fact that I found it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this topic here on your internet site.

  28. Ultimate Guide t? Mattress Shopping in Singapore: ?rom Showroom Test t? Long-Term Comfort

    F?r most Singapore homeowners, buying ? mattress i?
    one ?f t?e most personal furniture singapore decisions t?ey face.
    Most people spend mor? time choosing a sofa bed t?an t?ey
    do choosing t?e mattress t?ey u?e e?ery night.
    The Somnuz range f?om Megafurniture ?as designed sp?cifically t? make
    thi? decision clearer f?r Singapore buyers b? covering t?e fou? main construction types most local
    families compare.

    ?n Singapore, several local factors m?ke mattress singapore selection m?re im?ortant than in other countries.
    Singapore’s ye?r-round humidity ?uts extra pressure ?n moisture management insiide ?ny mattress singapore.
    A la?ge number of Singapore families deal
    ?ith dust-mite reactions, ?ven if they hav?n’t connected
    t?e dots t? their mattress singapore. Overnight
    air-conditioning ?se also chang?s how diffe?ent foams and covers behave
    compared ?ith showroom testing.

    ?ost mattress options sold in Singapore fall into one of four main construction categories,
    ?nd understanding the real differences helps ?ou choose
    smarter. Pocketed-spring mattresses ?se individually wrapped coils t?at mo?e independently, offering excellent motion isolation f?r couples
    and ?enerally ?etter airflow. Memory foam ?s loved f?r ?ts hugging feel and motion isolation, though traditional
    versions ?ometimes retain warmth ?n Singapore bedrooms. Natural latex options feel lively ?nd stay cooler ?hile ?eing more resistant t? dust
    mites t?an standard foam. Hybrid constructions combine pocketed springs ?ith foam ?r latex comfort layers t?
    deliver the ?est of b?th worlds.

    Megafurniture’s Somnuz collection conveniently represents t?e main construction types most local
    families ?onsider. Choosing th? r?ght firmness level ?? far mo?e
    personal t??n mo?t mattress singapore shoppers
    expect. ?f y?u sleep ?n yo?r side, a medium to medium-soft mattress singapore helps relieve pressure ?t t?e shoulder ?nd hip.
    ?ack sleepers oft?n feel most comfortable oon medium to medium-firm
    surfaces t??t support the lower back properly. Firm mattresses
    ?ork ?etter f?r stomach sleepers b?cause th?y k?ep the spine ?n b?tter alignment.

    HDB ?nd condo bedrooms ?n Singapore are typically smaller,
    making correct sizing essential ?ather thwn ?ust chasing t?e biggest
    option. The cover material is one of the most und?r-appreciated features f?r Singapore
    buyers. Models ?ith bamboo fabric covers stay noticeably drier ?nd fresher ?n humid Singapore bedrooms.
    Water-repellent covers protect ?gainst spills, sweat, and humidity ingress — ?specially useful fo? families ?ith children ?r pets.

    ?h? Somnuz range from Megafurniture maps cleanly ?nto th? ?ifferent needs most
    Singapore buyers ?ave. Somnuz Comfy is the go-to budget-friendly option f?r many furniture singapore shoppers look?ng for dependable pocketed spring
    support. Somnuz Comforto appeals t? hoot sleepers ?nd allergy-sensitive households t?anks
    t? its breathable bamboo cover and latex layer. ?h? Somnuz Comfort Night features ? water-repellent cover ?nd is perfect for families with yo?ng children, pets,
    ?r anyone wanting extra moisture protection in our climate.

    Premium buyers ?ften choose th? Somnuz Roman Supreme f?r superior materials ?nd long-term comfort.

    ?ost people test mattresses t?e wrong wa? ?uring furniture showroom visits — ?nd it leads to regret lat?r.
    T? ??t usef?l feedback, spend at ?east ten m?nutes on ?ach model in th? exact position ?ou normally sleep in. You ?an try the entire Somnuz collection comfortably at Megafurniture’? Joo Seng flagship
    or Tampines outlet.

    Delivery scheduling is m?r? imp?rtant than many buyers realise
    ?hen buying mattress store items. ?ost quality mattress singapore warranties ?ast 10 ?ears ?n paper,
    ?ut the actual coverage fo? sagging and comfort issues varies ?etween brands.

    With th? r?ght choice, ? go?d mattress from a reputale furniture store ?ike Megafurniture ?ill
    serve ??u ?ell for near?? a decade. Watch f?r gradual signs like new ?ack pain, centre sagging, ?r
    partner disturbance — these are ?lear signals the mattress ?as reached t?e end of its u?eful life.
    Head t? Megafurniture tod?y — either the?r Joo Seng o? Tampines furniture showroom — ?nd discover wh?ch Somnuz mattress
    is the perfect fit f?r your Singapore ?ome.

    My site: visit the website,

  29. This is a fantastic article regarding the current property development trends in the region. Finding the right Interior design Malaysia partner is undoubtedly a top priority for new homeowners today.
    In the Selangor area, working with an Interior designer
    Selangor who carries the reputation of being among the Top interior designers KL really helps in optimizing the budget.
    I’ve noticed that the Design and build interior
    design Malaysia model offered by Jolivin Interiors provides a
    highly efficient solution, particularly when it comes to
    precision-engineered Custom kitchen cabinet Malaysia
    work. For those residing in the suburbs, Interior design Puchong is seeing massive growth, and
    the range of Interior design services Klang Valley is more impressive
    than ever. Thanks for sharing this information; it adds a lot of value to my Residential interior design Malaysia
    research!

  30. ????

    ???? ??? ???? ???????????

    ???????? ????

    ????? ????

    ??? ??

    ????? ??????

    ????????? ????

    ???? ???? ???? ??

    ?????????? ???

    enfejaronline ?????? ???

    ?

    sibbet ?????? ???

    ?? ??? ??????? ?????? ???

    ???????? ???

    ???? ???? ???

    ?

    ???? ??????

    ????? ??????

    my h?mepage :: ???? ???? ????

  31. It’s awesome to visit this web page and reading
    the views of all colleagues regarding this article,
    while I am also zealous of getting know-how.

  32. ?? ??? ???

    ???? ??????????

    ???????? ????????

    ?????? ???? ???

    ??? ??????

    ?? ???? ???????

    ??? ??? ????? ????

    ???? ????? ??

    ?????????? ???

    enfejaronline ??????

    ?

    s?bbet ????

    ?? ??? ??? ????????? ????

    ???????? ???

    ??????? ???

    ?

    ??? ?? ????

    ???? ?? ?????

    Feel free to surf to my blog – ?????? ????

  33. Hi! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog
    article or vice-versa? My blog covers a lot of the same
    topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the
    way!

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.