Prague Castle marking anniversary of state’s foundation with historical exhibitions and other events

A number of hugely important historical moments have been remembered in the Czech Republic this year: the communist takeover of 1948, the Soviet-led invasion of 1968, and the signing of the Munich agreement in 1938. But there is also one anniversary that Czechs can mark with pleasure – the foundation of Czechoslovakia 90 years ago, on October 28th 1918. Among the institutions marking that day is Prague Castle, which has organised several events.

'The Czechoslovak Legion in Russia', photo: CTK

The Slovak Philharmonic is performing a special concert at the majestic Spanish Hall on Thursday night – Prague Castle’s first event to mark the anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia later this month. The Hrad is also putting on historical exhibitions, as I heard from Kateřina Horníčková, the head of its culture department.

“I would like to raise two projects. The first is The Czechoslovak Legion in Russia, mapping the period from 1914 to 1920, which is a key historical period for the foundation of the Czechoslovak state. From the historical point of view this is a key project, because such an exhibition hasn’t been held, and the subject is not very well known by the public.

'The Czechoslovak Legion in Russia', photo: CTK

“The second follows Czechoslovak statehood, or the idea of it, and the symbols. The name of the exhibition is The 28th of October in the Memory of the Castle.”

Both of these shows will offer the public a rare opportunity to see valuable historical documents at close quarters.

“In the first one, the Czechoslovak Legion, there are photographs mainly, and documents concerning the movements of the legion in Russia – these things have never been shown.

“The second exhibition, the 28th of October exhibition shows key symbols of the Czechoslovak state. They also show documents related to the creation of the protectorate in ’38, and the basic laws that were accepted by the Czechoslovak state, the first laws – key documents for the foundation of the state. Of course they are original, they are not copies.”

The Czechoslovak Legion in Russia 1914-1920 gets underway this coming Friday, while The 28th of October in the Memory of the Castle starts on the 24th. Prague Castle has organised one more event: the biggest exhibition of 20th century Slovak art ever held in Prague begins on the anniversary itself.