Security Services Archive.

Introduction

The Security Services Archive (Archiv bezpečnostních složek, ABS) in Prague stands as a crucial institution for understanding the legacy of Czechoslovakia’s Communist era. Housing millions of documents from former secret police and intelligence agencies, the Archive provides unparalleled insights into the mechanisms of state surveillance, repression, and the fight for democracy. Situated at the heart of Prague, ABS welcomes researchers, students, and curious travelers alike, serving both as a center for academic inquiry and a site of public remembrance.

Whether you are a historian, genealogist, or simply intrigued by 20th-century history, this guide will help you plan a meaningful visit, navigate the Archive’s facilities, and explore related historical sites in Prague. For those unable to visit in person, ABS offers digital collections and virtual tours to ensure global access to its invaluable resources (Security Services Archive Official Website, Radio Prague International).

Location and Directions

Main Address:

• Na Struze 1718/9, Prague 1, Czech Republic
• Alternate reading room: Siwiecova 2, 130 00 Prague 3-Žižkov (verify current access on the official website)

Getting There:

• Metro: Staroměstská (Line A) near Na Struze; “Národní třída” near the National Theatre location; “Lipanská” (tram lines 5, 9, 15, 26) for Žižkov.
• Tram/Bus: Stops at Národní divadlo and Lipanská serve both central and Žižkov locations.
• Accessibility: All major entrances are wheelchair-accessible. Contact staff ahead for specific needs.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Standard Opening Hours (verify ahead of your visit):

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (some locations open till 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM on Wednesdays)
• Closed on weekends and public holidays

Admission:

• Free for all visitors
• Registration with a valid photo ID is required for reading room access
• Special exhibitions or guided tours may require advance booking or a nominal fee (see official ABS website)

Advance Registration:

• Strongly recommended to request specific archival materials or reserve a research workstation
• Use the online request system or email [email protected]

Accessibility

• Wheelchair access at entrances and reading rooms
• Elevators and ramps available
• Guide dogs permitted
• Staff assistance for visitors with disabilities (contact in advance)

Guided Tours and Special Events

ABS offers periodic guided tours and educational events, especially during commemorative occasions. These provide valuable context on the archive’s holdings and the broader history of repression and resistance in Czechoslovakia. Check the ABS events page for upcoming tours and lectures.

Educational Programs:

• Seminars, workshops, and internships for students and researchers
• Public exhibitions such as “Prague Through the Lens of the Secret Police”

Historical Background of the Archive

The Security Services Archive was established to centralize and preserve records from Czechoslovakia’s totalitarian regimes, particularly the State Security (Státní bezpečnost, StB) and Public Security (Veřejná bezpečnost, VB). Its holdings, spanning 1945–1990, include:

• Operative files, surveillance records, and personal dossiers
• Materials from the Communist Party, National Front, and intelligence agencies
• Evidence of state repression, censorship, and political persecution

ABS serves as a resource for transitional justice, supporting lustration processes and the rights of victims to access their files (Security Services Archive, Radio Prague International).

Research and Educational Value

• For Researchers: Extensive collections on the Prague Spring, normalization, Velvet Revolution, and more
• For the Public: Access to personal and genealogical files, educational outreach, and digital exhibitions
• Digital Access: ABS portal offers millions of scanned documents (ABS digital portal)

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring Prague’s key historical sites:

• Museum of Communism: Life under Communist rule (Museum of Communism Prague)
• Memorial to the Victims of Communism: Monument to the persecuted
• National Theatre and Charles Bridge: Iconic landmarks within walking distance
• Wenceslas Square: Center of protest during the Velvet Revolution (Cruising Duo)
• Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes: Partner in research and exhibitions (Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes)

Facilities and Visitor Tips

• Reading Rooms: Desks, computers, microfilm readers, Wi-Fi
• Lockers: For personal belongings; only laptops, notepads, and pencils allowed in research areas
• Language Support: Most documents are in Czech or Slovak; staff generally speak English; translation services available
• Refreshments: No café on-site, but numerous options in central Prague and Žižkov (View from Prague)

Visitor Tips:

• Bring valid photo ID for registration
• Contact ahead to request files or schedule a tour
• Photography usually prohibited unless permitted by staff
• Maintain a quiet environment in research areas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of the Security Services Archive?
A: Typically Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (or 5:00/6:00 PM for some locations). Closed weekends and public holidays. Always check the official website for updates.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, reading room access is free with registration. Some special events may require a fee.

Q: Can I access documents as a tourist?
A: Yes, but advance requests are recommended, and some files may be restricted.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, especially during special events. Check the events page.

Q: Is the archive accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, fully accessible with staff assistance available.

Q: What languages are supported?
A: Materials are mostly in Czech/Slovak; staff can assist in English; translation available.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Generally not in reading rooms or exhibitions, unless explicitly permitted.

Safety and Practical Information

• Prague is considered safe for tourists; exercise standard urban precautions (Travellers Worldwide, XPLRverse)
• Žižkov and central Prague are both well-served by public transport and close to amenities

Visuals and Media

Discover More

For the latest opening hours, tour schedules, and exhibition updates, visit the official ABS website and events page.
Download the Audiala app for curated Prague historical content and real-time notifications about cultural events.
Follow the Archive and Prague’s cultural institutions on social media to stay informed.

Discover More

Visiting the Security Services Archive in Prague offers profound insight into the city’s—and the country’s—turbulent 20th-century history. With free admission, accessible facilities, and opportunities for both scholarly research and public learning, ABS stands as a testament to the importance of transparency, remembrance, and justice.
Enhance your experience by exploring nearby sites, using digital resources, and staying connected through apps and social media.
Plan your visit today to engage with one of Prague’s most significant historical institutions (Security Services Archive Official Website, Radio Prague International).