Stalin Monument (Prague)

The Stalin monument ( Stalinův pomník ) in Prague was opened after a 5 1/2-year-old construction in 1955 and in 1962 blew up again. It was the largest representation of Joseph Stalin.

History

The monument was erected on a huge veneered with granite concrete base in Letna Park. The 15.5 meter high and 22 meter long monument stood next to Stalin two rows of Czechs and Russians represents the foundation stone was laid on December 22, 1949 by Antonín Zápotocký and the inauguration on May 1, 1955. Created was the monument by sculptor Otakar Švec and the architect Jiří and Vlasta Štursa. Švec received threatening letters from Czech citizens and was under the observation of the government and the secret police. A month before the completion took he and his wife committed suicide.

The Stalinization by Nikita Khrushchev began shortly after the completion of the monument. For the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, the monument was a growing problem. Finally, in 1962 destroyed 800 kg of explosives and 1650 detonators. The demolition cost 4.5 million crowns.

1990 sent from a bunker near the foundation of the pirate radio station Radio Stalin. Later, the first rock club in Prague was established in this bunker. 1991 built Vratislav Karel Novák on the base of the monument a giant metronome. Also for promotions of Michael Jackson and Vaclav Klaus, the plant was used.

About the future of the site is not yet decided. Among other things, the establishment of an aquarium is being considered.