Introduction

City Appearance and Changes

In 1989, Brno had a very different appearance compared to today. The city looked worn and grey, with crumbling stucco and unpainted buildings. It was typical of the communist era; everything was dull and shabby—like a real-life version of Fifty Shades of Grey but without any excitement. Most of the buildings were in disrepair, and scaffolding was a common sight.

Since 1990, however, the city has undergone significant renovations. Many old buildings have been restored, painted, and modernized. The difference is striking when you look at photos from before and after the fall of communism. What were once dull and grey facades are now colorful and well-maintained, reflecting the city's revival.

Changes in Building Functions

Under communism, the functions of buildings remained the same for decades. If you look at postcards from 1900 to 1989, you'll notice that shops, post offices, and pubs stayed the same throughout the First Republic, WWII, and the communist era. This continuity was typical, but after 1989, there was a radical shift. Many buildings changed their functions rapidly—offices became cafes, shops turned into modern commercial spaces, and new buildings emerged all around the city.

Setting the Scene with Banknotes

To give you a sense of the atmosphere during late communism, let's look at some old Czechoslovak banknotes. The 100-crown note issued in 1989 featured Klement Gottwald, the first communist president. It was immediately disliked by the public—it had a garish neon green and pink design and was considered one of the ugliest banknotes ever. People often refused to accept it in shops and preferred coins instead. This reaction was a clear sign of how disconnected the communist government was from the sentiments of ordinary people.