Exhibition reveals architectural maestro L.E. Hudec's legacy in Shanghai
In celebration of architectural mastery and cultural heritage, the Christian Literature Society Building in Shanghai played host to an exhibition titled Inside Out at the onset of October. This showcase offered a rare glimpse into the inner world of the esteemed architect L.E. Hudec, also known as Laszlo Hudec, in China, paying tribute to his enduring legacy.
Timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary, the exhibition unveiled a treasure trove of more than 50 original items collected by the Hudec Cultural Foundation in Budapest in recent years. These archival gems, now on display in Shanghai, shed light on Hudec's transformative journey and profound impact on the architectural landscape of the city.
Born in 1893 and departing this world in 1958, Hudec's illustrious career spanned 29 prolific years in Shanghai, from 1918 to 1947. Throughout his tenure in the city, he left an indelible mark by crafting over 100 iconic structures that spanned a diverse array of functions, encompassing residential abodes, commercial edifices, and cultural sanctuaries.
Among Hudec's most renowned creations stand the Park Hotel, the Grand Theatre, and the iconic Wukang Building, also known as the Normandie Apartments. These architectural marvels not only reshaped the skyline of modern Shanghai but also etched Hudec's legacy deep into the cultural fabric of the city.
The exhibition serves as a tribute to Hudec's enduring influence, spotlighting over 200 significant items from his life journey. Visitors are treated to an array of architectural blueprints, sketches, photo albums, and letters that offer a window into the creative genius of this visionary architect.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are personal artifacts that illuminate Hudec's multifaceted persona, alongside newly restored 16-millimeter films captured by the architect himself. These evocative relics not only pay homage to Hudec's architectural prowess but also offer a profound insight into the man behind the masterpieces that have come to define Shanghai's urban landscape.
Source: Jiefang Daily