“Thanks to the Soviet Union”: Testimony of Czechoslovak Architecture from 1948–1989

Testimony of Czechoslovak Architecture from 1948–1989

Abstract

The article focuses on the radical shift in Czechoslovak culture after World War II, characterized by an ostentatious approval of the Soviet Union, which was reflected in all areas of public life. Interesting testimony of the Sovietization of Czechoslovak culture from 1948 to 1989 is provided by architecture. Initially, it is characterized by historicism, argumentatively supported by the doctrine of socialist realism, and from the late 1950s, a moderated modern style, serving the same representative function (metro, hotels, monuments).

Fig. 1
Moscow, skyscraper on Smolensk Square
Source: Architektura ČSR magazine 12, 1953, No. 3–4, 51.

Moskva, mrakodrap na Smolenském náměstí
Zdroj: fotografie z časopisu Architektura ČSR 12, 1953, č. 3–4, 51.

Fig. 2
New York, Manhattan Municipal Building, 1909–1914
Source: Hegemann, W. (1925). American Architecture & Urban Design. An Overview of the Current State of American Architecture in its Relationship to Urban Planning. Berlin: Wasmuth.

New York, Manhattan Municipal Building, 1909-1914
Zdroj: Městský úřad v Manhattanu: Hegemann, W. (1925). Americká architektura a urbanismus. Přehled současného stavu americké architektury ve vztahu k urbanismu. Berlin: Wasmuth.

Fig. 3
Prague-Dejvice, Hotel Internacional, 1952–1956,
Source: Architektura ČSR magazine 9, 1957, 465.

Praha-Dejvice, hotel Internacional, 1952–1956
Zdroj: fotografie publikované v časopise Architektura ČSR 9, 1957, 465.

Fig. 4
Cover of the Architektura ČSR magazine issue dedicated to Soviet architecture.

Obálka čísla časopisu Architektura ČSR věnovaného sovětské architektuře.

Fig. 5
Ostrava Operation Memorial in Hrabyně,
Source: Silesian Regional Museum, inv. no. 14ic_IV B_3962_02.

Památník Ostravské operace v Hrabyni
Zdroj: Slezské zemské muzeum, inv. č. 14ic_IV B_3962_02.