National Czech and Slovak Museum - part 2

As I mentioned earlier, the Czechoslovakian writing is worthy of further study. I'm familiar with Franz Kafka but there are other writers and filmmakers listed on a wall in the exhibit at the museum.

Quotes on the museum walls:

 All language can be thought of as an effort to achieve freedom... What we seek in language is the freedom to be able to express our most intimate thoughts. - Jaroslav Seifert

Imagine that you are a writer and every word that you have in your book you have to cross out. - Klara Sever

Some of those mentioned were communists who later turned dissidents with their creations banned and their journeys should make for interesting reading. Some left their native land and immigrated to  Germany or France, becoming citizens there. This brings up the question of what were the reasons that caused them to leave their country and family.

A writer not listed that I'm familiar with is dissident and later president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel but not much his background. One of panels at the museum gave a short history lesson but there is more to learn there as well.

Another important aspect of learning more about the artists listed is that it leads to associations of other artists, writers and filmmakers. Rabbit trails that lead to interesting works as well. 

If a museum, presentation or a simple discussion is meant to spark the desire to learn more, then the Czech/Slovak museum accomplished this. They also have an onsite library with many of the books from these authors and biographies of important citizens. Also included are resources for genealogy research which may prove helpful if/when we go to learn more about family heritage.

Worth the visit, if you're in Cedar Rapids. Learn more about a people and their desire for self-determination that spanned hundreds of years at National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.