International Transport of Works of Art for a mummies exhibition in Paris
Transexpo supports the Mummies exhibition at the Musée de l’Homme
As part of the major temporary exhibition “Mummies” presented at the Musée de l’Homme in Paris, Transexpo was commissioned to handle all national and international art transport operations, as well as the associated technical services.
This large-scale project mobilises the full expertise of our teams, who specialise in museum logistics—a field where precision, coordination, and security are paramount.
Recognised expertise in the international transport of works of art
For over 30 years, Transexpo has supported museums, foundations, cultural institutions, and galleries in the logistical organisation of their temporary exhibitions.
International transport of works of art requires the highest level of rigour: mastery of preventive conservation standards, risk management, tailor-made packing solutions, complex customs procedures, and coordination with many stakeholders.
Our involvement in the Mummies exhibition perfectly illustrates our ability to manage highly diverse logistical projects involving precious, fragile, and irreplaceable works originating from numerous international lenders.
217 works handled, from 35 lenders in France, Switzerland, and Belgium
For this ambitious exhibition, Transexpo’s teams were responsible for:
- Outbound transport of all works to the Musée de l’Homme
- Return transport, scheduled after the exhibition closes
- Customs procedures for works arriving from Switzerland and Belgium
- Management of couriers when required by lenders
- Overall coordination with the 35 lenders involved
In total, 217 works were handled by our teams: sculptures, art objects, archaeological pieces, funerary textiles, antiquities, paintings, and rare artefacts from both public and private collections.
Each piece required strict handling, temperature, humidity, and security conditions—all of which we guarantee at every stage.
Custom-built crates and tailored packing solutions
Some works loaned for the exhibition had never travelled before. Transexpo therefore produced:
- Climate-controlled crates for the most sensitive objects
- High-density foam crates adapted to complex shapes
- Anti-vibration support systems
- Custom-fit mounting and cushioning for fragile or previously restored objects
Crate fabrication is a critical stage in the art-transport chain, as it ensures optimal protection during road or air transport.
On-site installation: precise coordination with the museum teams
Once delivered, our specialised technicians managed:
- Unpacking in the exhibition rooms
- Fine handling of the artworks
- Installation in display cases, mounts, or exhibition supports
- Assistance to conservators during condition reports
- Full logistical coordination with the exhibition curatorial team
Each intervention is carried out using gloves, adapted tools, soft lifting systems, and in strict compliance with museum protocols.
Courier management: a premium service for lenders
For several sensitive or high scientific-value works, lenders appointed couriers to accompany the transport and oversee installation.
Transexpo coordinated:
- Logistical organisation
- Escort scheduling
- Continuous communication with lending museums
- Assurance that each institution’s protocols were strictly followed
This expertise is essential in international fine art transport.
Mastery of international art transport: the Transexpo signature
Through this operation, Transexpo reinforces its position as a trusted partner for cultural institutions in:
- Cross-border transport of works of art
- International temporary exhibitions
- Full project management, from crating to mounting
- Multi-country, multi-stakeholder logistical coordination
Our trained and experienced teams guarantee maximum security, full traceability, and strict compliance with preventive conservation standards.
About the Mummies exhibition at the Musée de l’Homme
The Mummies exhibition, presented from 19 November 2025 to 25 May 2026, offers a scientific, cultural, and human perspective on the practice of mummification around the world.
It brings together nine exceptional mummified bodies from international collections, accompanied by more than 200 archaeological objects illustrating the rituals, beliefs, and techniques associated with natural and artificial mummification.
By exploring the history and diversity of funerary practices, the exhibition invites visitors to move beyond stereotypes and rediscover the humanity behind each mummified individual.