UNESCO’s Memory of the World
In 1992, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the International Program “Memory of the World.” The primary goal of this program is to ensure and promote the protection of documentary heritage of global significance. Memory of the World also raises awareness of nations’ documentary heritage within the context of humanity’s shared memory.
The register supports the creation of various reproductions and copies of these works (including digitization) to make them accessible to the public. At the same time, the program aims to protect and preserve the original works in appropriate conditions for future generations.
The Czech Republic maintains a National List for the Memory of the World Program and manages an Indicative List from which a document is nominated to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register every two years.
In 2025, the Czech Republic will nominate Mendel’s Manuscript.
Mendel’s Manuscript
One of the most valuable artifacts of the Augustinian Abbey is the original manuscript by Gregor Johann Mendel (1822–1884) from 1865, titled Versuche über Pflanzen-Hybriden (Experiments on Plant Hybrids).
This unique document, handwritten by Mendel himself in neo-Gothic cursive known as “Kurrent,” consists of 12 bifolios. In this manuscript, Mendel summarized the results of his years-long experiments on heredity. It represents a foundational work in the early study of genetics and serves as the only surviving direct testimony to Mendel’s groundbreaking research.
Entries in the UNESCO Memory of the World from the Czech Republic
Moll’s Map Collection
Named after its creator Bernard Paul Moll, Moll’s collection of maps and views offers a representative cross-section of cartographic production and veduta from the 16th to 18th centuries.
It includes numerous manuscript plans, maps, and illustrations uniquely depicting Central Europe, the Benelux countries, Italy, and large parts of the Balkans. The collection’s structure is documented through two editions of original handwritten catalogs, reflecting its gradual growth and excellent condition, highlighting contemporary mounting techniques. This collection was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2023.
Antonín Dvořák Archive
The archive includes the documentary heritage of Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), one of the most renowned composers of the 19th century. His works represent the pinnacle of world music of that era.
The archive is housed in the Czech Museum of Music, part of the National Museum in Prague. It contains Dvořák’s original autographs, key verified copies, and significant first prints of his works. This archive was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2023.
Leoš Janáček Archive
This archive preserves the documentary legacy of Leoš Janáček (1854–1928), a significant and globally recognized 20th-century composer.
The collection provides a unique testimony to the history of music and the innovative approaches of a personality ahead of his time. The archive includes Janáček’s documents and supplementary materials added after his death. It was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2023.
Camocio’s Map Collection
This unique map was printed in four versions; each adapted to the changing battlefield situation during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Versions 1, 3, and 4 are held in Malta’s National Museum of Fine Arts, while version 2 is housed in Prague’s Charles University map collection. This series fills a crucial gap in the visual chronicle of this historic event. The collection was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2017.
Kynžvart Daguerreotype
This globally unique daguerreotype depicts an artist’s studio still life and is signed by Louis J. Mandé Daguerre, the inventor of the first practical photographic process.
The daguerreotype, presented to Prince Klemens L. Metternich, is a significant document of an early image carrier. It was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2017.
Émile Reynaud’s Moving Pictures
In 1892, Émile Reynaud introduced a new form of animated projection at the Grévin Museum in Paris.
This innovation, which predated cinematography, marked a gateway for film development. Sixteen original frames of his work were preserved and inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2015.
Libri Prohibiti: Czechoslovak Samizdat Publications (1948–1989)
This collection represents one of the largest Czech and Slovak samizdat periodical archives, documenting resistance against the totalitarian communist regime.
It offers valuable insights into the professional journalism, ethics, and societal dynamics of the 20th century. The collection was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2013.
Collection of 526 University Theses (1637–1754)
This collection comprises 526 single-leaf prints and represents one of the most extensive baroque graphic archives globally.
It offers unique insights into university culture and baroque art. The collection was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2011.
Collection of Medieval Manuscripts of the Czech Reformation
This collection includes key documents from the Hussite era and the Unity of Brethren manuscripts.
It serves as primary evidence of Czech reform movements that influenced European history. Inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2007, it is housed in the National Library.
Collection of Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian Exile Periodicals (1918–1945)
This collection documents the diverse sociocultural fabric of post-revolutionary Russian emigration, focusing on interwar Czechoslovakia as a significant hub.
It was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2007.
UNESCO’s Memory of the World.
