Ferenc Nemzetes, 1961–2025

Feri was one of the first employees of both CEU and the Archivum. His long service began at the inaugural offices of the university on Hűvösvölgyi Street in Budapest in 1991. He moved on to become the Exhibition and Event Technology Manager at the Archivum in the summer of 1995. His professionalism and dedication throughout the years contributed immensely to what the Archivum looks like and stands for today.

It is nearly impossible to list all the activities behind which Feri was the driving force. He built, contributed to mounting, helped design or designed himself over 130 exhibitions on contemporary history, art, human rights, architecture and photography in the Archivum’s own Galeria Centralis, and, occasionally, at other venues, such as the OSCE Headquarters in Vienna, or the Venice Biennale. The gallery was the real world where Feri’s skills, creativity, and imagination thrived. As exhibition manager, he interacted with uncountable partner institutions, curators, and artists in Hungary and abroad. His professional integrity and warm personality were widely recognized and appreciated by everybody who had the privilege to collaborate with him.

Beyond exhibitions, Feri participated in devising public events, which he eventually hosted and ensured the technical background for. He contributed to creating the Archivum’s charity events, and guaranteed with his caring presence that film screenings, academic conferences, book launches and artistic performances, including happenings, choir recitals or theater shows in the archival storage took place in good order to the satisfaction of their audiences.

Feri was also the soul and avid manager of the Archivum’s building and archival storage spaces. Archivists and curators could sleep well, as he secured the ideal archival environment and protection, according to international standards, for the Archivum’s unique collections. He also found time to export his technical and archival design skills to other places in need of a state-of-the-art archives. His contribution to the establishment of the research archives at the Srebrenica Memorial Center in Potočari, Bosnia and Herzegovina was fundamental.

We counted on his opinion and wisdom also in strategic planning, determining the future of the Archivum and the topics and problems it should deal with, rebranding the institution or establishing partnerships across and outside of CEU. His input was always resolute and constructive, stemming from his professional integrity, profound humanity, and utmost care for the Archivum.

Feri was a cherished member of the Archivum for thirty years. Creative, witty, practical, and true to himself, he was a genuinely big-hearted figure whose presence enriched our community. We could always count on his solidarity and assistance. His work is built into the walls and is traceable in every corner of the Archivum. His contributions are truly irreplaceable; his absence will be profoundly felt.