The Hungarian Royal Institute of Arts and Crafts opened its doors on November 14th 1880 with its first class, the carving workshop. The Institute belonged to the Hungarian Royal School of Model Drawing and Teacher Training – a predecessor of the University of Fine Arts – founded in 1870. On March 1st 2006, the university took up the name of László Moholy-Nagy, an internationally celebrated Hungarian artist, changing its name to Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME). The palette of courses offered has been enhanced over the years, currently encompassing space, object and image design. Due to its university-level education in all areas of visual art, the 127-year-old institution plays a significant role in the nation’s cultural life. In 2006, photographer Gábor Kopek was elected rector of MOME.