A multi-year research project prepared in collaboration with the Institute for Czech Literature of the Czech Academy of Sciences, under the direction of Michaela Kuthanová, curator of the PNP Literary Archive, will present to the public the origins, development, and transformations of Czech exile literature after 1948.  

The exhibition focuses on authors who left socialist Czechoslovakia for political reasons but continued to significantly influence the Czech cultural and literary scene through their work. The first, factual section of the exhibition will explore the functioning of the literary exile community and, through period exhibits, will showcase the most significant book titles, publishing houses, cultural magazines, and figures who contributed to the publication of Czech literature abroad. The second section will focus on specific works by writers in exile and offer visitors a closer look at their texts and life stories.  

Archival documents and book materials will be complemented by works of art, illustrations, and examples of the independent creative work of artists who contributed to the design of exile publications. The exhibition will also feature an interactive section where visitors can search for specific authors and projects on a map of the Czech exile community, gain insight into the work of Radio Free Europe editors, or watch the documentary film Behind the Iron Curtain, which captures the memories of prominent figures of the Czech exile community. 

5:00 PM opening reception

6:00 PM screening of the documentary Behind the Iron Curtain

Publishers of Czech literature in exile, winners of the grand prize Černý Janek at the MUSAIONfilm 2026 festival. Musical accompaniment inspired by Radio Free Europe DJ Rozina Jadrná-Pokorná will be provided by DJ Magič.