University of Wisconsin–Madison

Czech Republic: Vincent Philavong (Learning on Excursions)

Learning on Excursions

A red tram driving down a road between many beige stone buildings on either side
A picture of Brno colorful baroque architecture and a tram

This weekend, I went to Brno with my program as an excursion. While Prague is known for its historical squares, Brno felt like a very different city. As the second-largest city in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic, I knew Brno was large, but I didn’t realize how much history was hidden inside it.

Radiation masks hanging on hooks in a row
Radiation mask used as protective gear in the case of a nuclear fallout

The most eye-opening experience in Brno was visiting the 10-Z nuclear bunker. The bunker was kept a secret until 1993 and was only meant to contain 500 elites. Walking through the narrow, dimly lit concrete tunnels built during the Cold War felt eerie. The stale, heavy air and the anti-radiation protective gear made the atmosphere feel incredibly realistic and authentic. Inside, the huge ventilation system and the extensive network of telephones revealed the sheer scale of the operation.

Although the bunker wasn’t a specific requirement for my Czech Architecture course, it was a powerful addition to our discussions. Our current focus is on the historical roots of Prague architecture, not on 20th-century design. Seeing the bunker as a prime example of utilitarian Cold War architecture was a complete 180 from what we were currently learning. It made me realize that architecture is more than just aesthetics; it’s a direct reflection of a society’s values, fears, and priorities.

I was most interested in the technology they had in the shelter. I had never considered what a nuclear fallout shelter would need to operate. The giant air filters and the manual machinery for survival were all incredibly advanced for the time. This kind of innovation surprised me the most because it shows how much ingenuity happened during the Cold War.

A generator with protruding wires
The main diesel generator that would power the shelter for 3 days

Overall, Brno was an incredible experience, and I came out of the city knowing more about both Cold War and Czech history. Seeing the contrast between Prague’s ornate past and Brno’s functional, hidden history was a powerful reminder that you have to look beyond the surface to truly understand a culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headshot of student

Vincent Philavong

Major: Computer Sciences

Hometown: South Elgin, Illinois

Program: IFSA Tech Career Accelerator in Prague, Czech Republic