Museum of Communism

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum collection features original statuary, including a large sculpture of Karl Marx, salvaged from the streets of Prague after the regime's collapse.

2. 2

   The exhibition space is located in a historic building that sits directly above a McDonald's, a juxtaposition frequently highlighted as a symbol of the country's post-1989 capitalist shift.

3. 3

   It maintains a significant archive of documents detailing the censorship protocols used by the StB, the Czechoslovak State Security agency.

4. 4

   Many of the items on display, such as retail products and household electronics, were acquired from ordinary citizens who lived through the era.

5. 5

   The museum includes a dedicated section on the role of the Iron Curtain and the physical barriers that separated the country from Western neighbors.

Overview

The Museum of Communism offers a detailed exploration of the totalitarian regime in Czechoslovakia from the 1948 coup to the 1989 Velvet Revolution. The exhibition occupies a building that previously served as a palace of the Czech Chamber of Commerce. It utilizes authentic artifacts, including period furniture, schoolrooms, and interrogation room recreations, to contrast the idealistic propaganda of the state with the realities of daily life. Visitors move through themed zones covering politics, sports, the economy, and the secret police. The collection highlights the suppression of dissent and the pervasive nature of surveillance. Textual panels provide historical context in multiple languages, documenting the transition from democratic roots to Soviet-aligned rule. Displays include original propaganda posters and military memorabilia from the People's Militia. The narrative concludes with an examination of the protests that ultimately dismantled the communist government.

Insider tips

• Read the provided documentation carefully as the placards contain personal testimonies that add depth beyond the physical objects.

• Allow time to view the short documentary films playing in the screening area, as they provide essential video footage of the 1989 revolution.

• Visit the gift shop for a selection of history-focused literature and authentic period souvenirs.