Museum of International Propaganda – Atlas Obscura

By its nature, propaganda is often ephemeral. State-created political fliers and inflammatory newspaper cartoon strips aren’t necessarily meant to last. But for decades, Tom and Lilka Areton have been committed to saving what many would prefer to forget. The task of preserving emotionally persuasive, ideologically troubling pieces of material culture is what drove the Aretons to amass an impressive private collection, the majority of which is now displayed in the Museum of International Propaganda.

The couple, both impacted by propaganda throughout their lives, built their formidable collection over 50 years and traveling to more than 80 countries together. Until they opened the museum in 2016 to share their trove with the public, they kept pieces like a stone bust of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in their living room.

The focus of their self-funded museum, while spanning a century, narrows to include only visual, political propaganda—nothing religious or related to specific elections. The museum’s permanent collection is enhanced by Tom’s clever, educational descriptions, highlighting the stories behind 20th century posters, statuettes, and buttons and badges that can be at turns funny, creepy, and horrifying. 

The museum also stages temporary exhibits that rotate frequently. And in addition to giving talks and presentations in the community, the Aretons have also been known to host film nights at the museum, where Tom pours wine made from his own small vineyard.