Voices from Afar
Czech Literature in Exile 1948–1989
The exhibition traces the emergence and evolution of Czech literary exile in the second half of the twentieth century. The historical and literary section explores the organizational and institutional life of exile publishing, presenting individual publishing initiatives, key publishers, and major cultural journals through authentic period artefacts. The experiential section offers a more intimate encounter with the literary texts of exiled writers. Archival materials and books are complemented by illustrations and artwork by Czech artists who contributed to the visual design of the exile publications. Visitors can explore an interactive map of exile to search for specific authors and projects, discover the work of Radio Free Europe’s editors, or watch the documentary film Za železnou oponou (Behind the Iron Curtain), which draws on the memories of people who lived in exile.
Voices from Afar Czech Exile Literature 1948–1989 / entrance
The Communist coup in February 1948 abruptly ended the democratic development Czechoslovakia had built during the interwar period. One of the consequences was the departure of tens of thousands of people who either opposed the new regime or were directly threatened by it, seeking refuge in countries west of Czechoslovakia’s borders. The emergence and fate of the post-war Czechoslovak exile community were profoundly shaped by the power struggle between two political blocs – the democratic West and the Communist East – divided during the Cold War by a guarded frontier known as the Iron Curtain. After the Communist Party seized power, Czechoslovakia was forced into the Soviet bloc, severing the cultural ties with Western Europe that had defined Czech culture throughout its history. Political repression brought about fundamental changes in society and culture and led to the division of Czech literature into three parallel spheres: official, samizdat, and exile literature.