Museum of Communism, Prague

Once nestled snugly amidst the Savarin Palace, cheek by jowl with the iconic symbols of capitalism – the golden arches of McDonald’s and the lure of the casino – the Museum of Communism has now decided to spread its wings into a more spacious, well-lit abode. However, it seems it couldn’t quite shake off its capitalist neighbors entirely, as it now shares a block with a supermarket.

The revamped museum offers a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of life in Prague and erstwhile Czechoslovakia, back in the days when the totalitarian regime ruled the roost from the February 1948 coup until the fireworks of the Velvet Revolution in November 1989. Get ready for a dose of social realist art, original texts, and snapshots straight from the secret archives of the Security Services. You’ll be treated to films, interactive displays, and a plethora of exhibits delving into the everyday grind under the ČSSR – from sports and education to art, propaganda, and censorship. Prepare to be both enlightened and slightly unnerved as you navigate through a maze of exhibits showcasing the trials and tribulations of ordinary life and the downright bone-chilling consequences of stepping out of line.

And don’t forget to swing by the gift shop on your way out – it’s stocked with everything from posters, and books to snazzy t-shirts and baseball caps to commemorate your brush with communism. Just remember, the museum doesn’t take sides, refraining from any preaching or proselytizing. It’s all about presenting the cold, hard facts and letting visitors unravel the enigma of communism for themselves.