Museum of International Propaganda
Established | 2016 |
---|---|
Location | 1000 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, California |
Coordinates | 37°58′28.38″N 122°31′37.02″W / 37.9745500°N 122.5269500°W |
Founder | Tom and Lilka Areton |
Website | museumofpropaganda |
The Museum of International Propaganda is a non-profit institution that opened its doors in 2016 in San Rafael, California.[1][2]
Overview
The Museum of International Propaganda features a permanent collection of propaganda posters, paintings, sculptures, and
History
Founded by Tom and Lilka Areton, who have operated a non-profit student exchange program for almost 40 years,[4] the museum's origins trace back to the couple's extensive travels, during which they collected political propaganda. Tom, having lived in socialist Czechoslovakia during his youth, and Lilka, who's traveled to the Soviet Union since 1960, were deeply influenced by their experiences. Tom's mother endured both Nazi and Communist propaganda for over 60 years. The couple met in 1969 at the International Center in New York, married, and relocated to Northern California in 1970.[5]
Tom pursued film study at
The concept of the museum took shape in mid-2010 when the couple visited North Korea,
Exhibitions
The museum's exhibits guide visitors through seven themes, techniques, and styles of propaganda:[7]
- Idealizationof state leaders, portraying them with children, the military, and displaying their images nationwide.
- Fear and intimidation tactics through physical detention, sudden disappearances, and extralegal executions.
- Glorification of the nation, exaggerating prosperity, abundance, and the ecstatic happiness of the people.
- Promotion of the common people, showcasing workers, women, peasants, and students as heroes.
- Vilification, wherein governments identify central enemies—political opponents, religious and ethnic minorities, or economic groups—to blame and demonize.
- Veneration of the military, with statues, posters, uniforms, and medals honoring national heroes and recalling past wars and struggles.
- Post-1989 ridicule, criticism, and commercialization of past political systems, leaders, and ideas that once subjugated the people.
References
- ^ a b c d Spotswood", Beth (March 20, 2019). "San Rafael museum home to propaganda from around the world". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ a b Gentile, Dan (October 17, 2023). "The Bay Area's little-known Museum of International Propaganda is worth the trek". SFGATE. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Donohue, Caitlin (May 2, 2016). "Slants for all: Museum of Propaganda opens in San Rafael". 48hills. Independent San Francisco news + culture. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Fitzsimmons, Kate (January 22, 2018). "San Rafael's unusual political art museum". Marin Independent Journal. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Shoot, Britta (October 30, 2020). "San Rafael's Museum of International Propaganda Reopens Just in Time". KQED. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Tsapovsky, Flora (July 27, 2016). "Couple opens museum to share large collection of international propaganda". PacificSun. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ "Museum of International Propaganda". RoadsideAmerica. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
External links
- The Museum of International Propaganda – official site