Zprávy památkové péče 2022, 82(1):38-46 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2022.1.05

Heritage properties and security - interest, or lack thereof?

Milan Bárta

Ústav pro studium totalitních režimů

1948 to 1989, Czechoslovak State Security formed one of the main pillars of the communist regime with which it was closely linked. Its approach to heritage properties therefore largely reflected the attitudes of the ruling party elite. Several themes can be focused on in this context. An effort can be made here to determine how the issues were reflected in the practical activities of the security forces. Their scope of competence included, in particular, the search for stolen objects from heritage sites and their possible export abroad. Another aspect is how historically important or protected buildings or their furnishings were used by parts of Czechoslovak State Security. In this context, the question arises as to whether attempts were made to respect this status and to what extent modifications and repairs of the buildings were carried out. It should also be observed whether and to what extent, if any, the approach of state security forces to the issue has changed over time. Given the scope of the issue, and the fact that this will be an initial probe, this would be primarily an outline of the topic and a few specific cases.

Keywords: Ministry of the Interior; archives of security forces; theft of heritage properties; use of heritage properties; art collector court cases

Published: March 1, 2022  Show citation