Timeless Modernity – The Legacy of Chinese-Hungarian Architects in Budapest

On December 2, 2025, the exhibition Timeless Modernity – The Legacy of Chinese-Hungarian Architects opened in Budapest, offering insight into a unique historical and cultural intersection. The exhibition looks back over a hundred years to recall the work of Hungarian architects who played a decisive role in shaping the modern image of Shanghai, and whose oeuvre has remained largely unknown to the Hungarian public. 

The exhibition focuses on Shanghai's iconic buildings, which are not only imprints of a rapidly developing metropolis, but also evidence of the international influence of Hungarian architectural expertise. The exhibition vividly illustrates how Hungarian creativity and Chinese urban modernization intertwined at the beginning of the 20th century, creating an intellectual connection that continues to be a source of inspiration today. Timeless Modernity presents not only buildings and designs, but also destinies, life stories, and cultural encounters that contributed to Shanghai's unique cityscape. 

Back és Rosta Kft. played a key role in the realization of the exhibition, contributing to the project in collaboration with the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association. The company provided one of its interactive video walls, the Magic Wall, free of charge for the entire duration of the exhibition, adding a new dimension to the visitor experience. The interactive interface allowed visitors to delve deeper into the architects' work, discover archival materials, images, and historical contexts, turning the exhibition into an experience that could be actively experienced rather than just viewed. 

At the grand opening of the exhibition, Dr. István Henrik Back, managing director and co-owner of Back és Rosta Kft., gave a speech. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that the exhibition is both a tribute to the values of the past and an inspiration for the present and the future. He highlighted the importance of these internationally significant yet little-known Hungarian works receiving the attention they deserve in Hungary, and pointed out the role of interactive technologies in making cultural heritage accessible and enjoyable for today's audiences. 

The exhibition Timeless Modernity is thus not only an architectural exhibition, but also a cultural dialogue between Hungary and China. It is a reminder that creative thinking and professional knowledge can create lasting value that transcends national borders and centuries.