The Museum of the 20th Century in Prague has been awarded a subsidy of CZK 26 million to cover a portion of its operational expenses and fund its projects for this year. The grant was approved by Prague city councilors, pending final approval by the municipal assembly. If passed, the museum will receive CZK 26.4 million to support its initiatives and programs.

The museum’s 2023 program includes several noteworthy projects, such as an exhibition on the European Gulag, a historical walk focused on the fate of Jan Palach, and a debate titled “Open Flats, Open Hearts – Defiant Women in the Era of Normalization.”

The aim of the museum’s initiatives is to not only commemorate the memory of victims of totalitarian regimes but also highlight the bravery of those who fought for freedom and actively resisted such regimes. As eyewitnesses of historical events gradually pass away, it becomes increasingly crucial to pass on their memories to the next generation.

Jiří Pospíšil, the deputy mayor for culture and heritage conservation, emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory, stating, “For the development of democratic values, it is necessary to keep historical memory alive for two reasons. Firstly, to learn from history, and secondly, not to forget the dramatic fates of people affected by the events of the 20th century. We must not lose our memory. That is why I am pleased that we are taking the Museum of the 20th Century project to the next stage, in the form of a subsidy worth a total of CZK 26 million.”

Pospíšil expressed his hope that the younger generation would visit the museum as part of their educational experience since recent surveys have indicated a lack of knowledge about the country’s modern history among the youth.

Established by the City of Prague in 2019, the Museum of the 20th Century is a long-term endeavor aimed at creating an institution dedicated to the key events of the 20th century in Czechoslovakia. The museum is currently preparing a permanent exhibition at the House of Pages in Hradčany and has ambitious plans for a future project at the Strahov Stadium. In the meantime, the museum has been actively organizing various public events, including lectures, seminars, debates, conferences, film festivals, and historical walks to significant locations.

Jiří Šesták, the director of the Museum of the 20th Century, expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, “We have a lot of work ahead of us. We are creating a modern memory institution that reminds us of our modern history’s bright and dark sides. We are not and will not be just a ‘totality museum,’ as some have called us. We want to offer a comprehensive and critical view of the history of the 20th century. We want to be a real Museum of the 20th Century. Thank you for your support.”

With the financial assistance provided by the grant, the Museum of the 20th Century will be able to continue its important work in preserving and presenting the history of the 20th century, ensuring that future generations have access to valuable insights and knowledge about the country’s past.

Article by Prague Forum