Timeless modernity: Shanghai reveals its Hungarian face in a new Budapest exhibition

On 1 December at 4pm, a remarkable architectural exhibition titled “Timeless Modernity – Hungarian Architectural Heritage in Shanghai” was ceremoniously opened, organised by the Budapest Chinese Cultural Centre and the Hungarian–Chinese Friendship Association.

Chinese ambassador: Hungarian architects in Shanghai are symbols of friendships

The opening was attended by several distinguished guests, including Gong Tao, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Hungary; István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly; and Regő Lánszki, State Secretary at the Ministry of Construction and Transport. Representatives from the Hungarian Chamber of Architects, the Hudec Cultural Foundation, as well as around 80 delegates from Chinese and Hungarian cultural and architectural institutions and Chinese companies operating in Hungary, also participated.

Ambassador Gong Tao highlighted that the masterpieces left behind by Hungarian architects in Shanghai have not only enriched the city’s landscape but have also become living symbols of friendship between the two nations. He emphasised that the exhibition reflects the value of mutual understanding and cultural exchange between different civilisations, fostering deeper ties and emotional bonds between the peoples, infusing the Sino–Hungarian cultural dialogue with positive energy, and contributing to the creation of an even more beautiful shared future.

Widely recognised architectural works

In his speech, Deputy Speaker István Jakab pointed out that the name of László Hudec and his famous architectural works are widely recognised in China. The Hungarian architects’ legacy in Shanghai still stands proudly in streets and squares—a brilliant testament to cultural cooperation between the two countries.

State Secretary Regő Lánszki added that revitalising this architectural heritage gives special significance to the day. Although the Budapest Chinese Cultural Centre has only recently opened, it has quickly become an important platform for cultural dialogue between Hungary and China. He expressed hope for many more collaborative projects to strengthen Hungarian–Chinese friendship in the future.

Richer cultural collaborations

Zhu Congying, Deputy Director of the Budapest Chinese Cultural Centre, sincerely thanked all staff and partners involved in preparing and supporting the exhibition. He described the display not only as a retrospective but also as an inspiration—inviting reflection on how architecture preserves the memory of eras and how culture shapes cities. He expressed hope that China and Hungary will forge even richer cultural collaborations going forward.

The president of the Hungarian–Chinese Friendship Association and curator of the exhibition, Judit Nagy, emphasised that today’s exhibition was realised with the support of many professionals and the Association’s efforts. She is confident that visitors will not only enjoy valuable photographs and original documents but will also become part of a dialogue transcending space, time and cultural boundaries.

Following the speeches, Ambassador Gong Tao, Deputy Speaker István Jakab, Counsellor Sun Jie and other honoured guests ceremoniously cut the ribbon and posed for photographs. Afterwards, representatives from the Hungarian Chamber of Architects, Tongji University, the Hudec Cultural Foundation, other supporters, close relatives of architect Rudolf Sömjén, and the technical team shared their thoughts and well wishes, which were warmly received by the audience.

Chinese-Hungarian friendship

The exhibition was brought to life through broad support from Chinese and Hungarian institutions, experts and individuals, as well as over a year of research, data gathering and analysis. Alongside abundant photographs, original manuscripts, letters and documents, interactive “magic walls”, architectural models and even film footage personally recorded by the architects help bring the exhibition to life. For the first time, the exhibition presents, in one place, the two legendary Hungarian architectural firms in Shanghai—the Hudec and Gonda offices—as well as the outstanding works of four Hungarian architects: László Hudec, Károly Gonda, Béla Mátrai and Rudolf Sömjén, offering visitors an immersive and multifaceted experience.

The exhibition will be open from 2 December 2025 to 22 January 2026. After the opening, the Budapest Chinese Cultural Centre and the Hungarian–Chinese Friendship Association will host a series of accompanying programmes, including professional round-table discussions, film screenings, educational guided tours, and gastronomic and musical events. In 2026, the exhibition will travel to Beijing, Shanghai and other Chinese cities.

Read also:

• China extends visa-free travel for Hungarians: what exactly does this mean?
• Lip reader revealed what Trump whispered into the Chinese president’s ear ⁠–⁠ video

Click for more China-related articles.