At the Strahov Stadium, there could be a museum of totality

Prague – The leadership of Prague is considering placing the planned Museum of Totalitarian Regimes of the 20th Century in the stadium at Strahov. Until the building is renovated, it could temporarily be located in the House of Pages in Hradčany. This was stated today by representatives of the coalition United Forces for Prague (TOP 09 and STAN). Councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09) noted that the stadium is in poor condition and needs to be repaired, which is estimated to cost around 1.2 billion crowns.

The councilor added that since the city will have to invest in the building in the coming years regardless, it can start the repairs with a clear intention. The museum’s exhibits could be created directly on the protected concrete stands of the stadium. In addition, according to councilor Hana Marvanová (for STAN), there could be other similar institutions in it, such as the Institute of National Memory from Post Bellum organization.

Apart from the stadium, the city also considered the former Stalin monument at Letná and a campus on Hybernská Street as potential locations for the museum; however, according to the councilor, the stadium is the most suitable. The relevant committee will now discuss the proposal, and then the councilors are expected to vote on it. Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09), head of the United Forces group, stated that the museum should ideally be opened within this electoral period. If the stadium renovation project takes longer, it could temporarily be housed in the Renaissance House of Pages. However, the city still needs to negotiate with Post Bellum, which has also shown interest in that location.

Councilor Chabr emphasized that the sports functionality should remain preserved at Strahov. At the same time, the city plans to extend the tram line from Malovanka directly to the stadium. "It is expected that there could be a tram here in about four years," he said. Currently, buses from Dejvice and Smíchov run to Strahov.

Chabr added that the stadium is completely owned by Prague, while the neighboring Evžen Rošický stadium is owned by the Football Association. According to Chabr, it is currently being discussed whether football club Sparta will buy the stadium from the association and move there from Letná.

The establishment of the museum was approved by Prague councilors last September. Its purpose is to preserve the historical memory of totalitarian regimes in Czech territory during the 20th century, especially for the younger generation. Pospíšil stated today that the state should take care of this institution, but he does not expect this from the current government.

The institute is supposed to operate on the principle of a museum that will create collections and also organize exhibitions, educational events, record the memories of witnesses, or hold training sessions, conferences, and workshops. It will collaborate with domestic and foreign experts and institutions. The museum will be managed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the founder, which is the capital city.