Aquincum Museum and Graphisoft Park: Ancient and Modern

From ancient ruins to cutting-edge tech! Our March Fulbright meeting took US grantees on a fascinating journey through Budapest, exploring Aquincum Museum’s Roman history & Graphisoft Park’s innovative spirit.

The day began with an exploration of Kolodko Art’s miniature sculptures along the Danube, setting a playful tone for the day.

The group then delved into ancient history at the Aquincum Museum, learning about the Roman military and civil town’s pivotal role as the capital of Pannonia Inferior. Highlights included the museum’s displays on the Legio II Adiutrix, the city’s golden age under Septimius Severus, and the eventual transition to the Huns.

Centuries later, in 1778 an Óbuda winegrower discovered the remains of Roman underfloor heating while digging pits. The origin and role of the remains was recognized by a university librarian, who connected them with the town of Aquincum.

The afternoon shifted to modern innovation at Graphisoft Park. Marcel Hillier, Product Marketing Expert, presented on Graphisoft SE and its flagship architectural BIM software. Grantees were also treated to a glimpse of tech history:

* the world’s first Steve Jobs statue, commissioned by Graphisoft founder Gábor Bojár. The relationship between Graphisoft and Apple can be traced to the 1980’s, when Jobs came across the first version of Graphisoft’s Archicad software.

* the world’s first statue of Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto

The group also learned about the establishment of AIT-Budapest, which offers study abroad programs for North American computer science students.

The event showcased the diverse cultural and technological landscape of Budapest, offering grantees a comprehensive experience of the city.