3,500 Years of History, 181 Artefacts, Four Weeks to Move Them
From Cologne to Tokyo, golden treasures, mummies, and royal masks journeyed across continents in a race against time.
Imagine moving golden treasures, sarcophaguses, mummies, royal jewellery, and ceremonial masks, some of which had never left Egypt, across multiple continents in just four weeks.
The Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition included 25 truckloads of scenic set-works and merchandise alongside 181 priceless artefacts. Each item was carefully packed, monitored, and escorted to ensure it arrived safely.
Every step of the journey required expert planning, precision logistics, and a focus on detail that could mean the difference between success and disaster.
Race Against Time
Four weeks to move an entire touring exhibition across continents is no small feat. From Cologne, Germany to Tokyo, Japan, tight schedules left no room for error.
Artefacts on the Move
- 181 priceless artefacts
- Mummies, sarcophaguses, golden jewellery, royal masks, amulets
- Items never before seen outside Egypt
High-Stakes Logistics
- Dedicated chartered aircraft for artefacts
- Armed convoys for security
- Full courier assistance with Ministry of Culture representatives
- 30 people monitoring movements from departure to installation
Precision Packing
Every crate was engineered for fragility, climate, and vibration, with collaboration between registrars, conservators, and logistics experts. Fit tests, mock-ups, and climate monitoring ensured artefacts arrived intact.
Curious how this historic tour came together? Read the full Air Cargo Week story
