Valkhof Museum – tailored logistics for Bitter Harvest
The project
For the exhibition Bitter Harvest, we collaborated with Valkhof Museum on the transport of a remarkable and diverse collection. Fourteen lenders contributed a varied selection of objects, including prints by Louise von Panhuys, dioramas by Gerrit Schouten, paintings, watercolours, books, and a mounted bird. The exhibition explores how the shared history between the Netherlands and Suriname continues to resonate today and invites visitors to reflect on the price of this harvest, and what we can learn from it. For us, it meant a logistics project full of variety: different sizes, materials, and levels of fragility, each requiring its own approach to packing and transport.
The challenges
One of the most striking pieces was a diorama over five meters long. It could, of course, not be transported in one piece and was therefore packed in several sections. In addition, there were smaller dioramas, prints, archival materials, and paintings, each requiring its own type of packaging, from softpacks and archive boxes to art containers and climate crates. Also noteworthy were the everyday objects containing traces of DDT. These had to be handled with protective gloves and packed separately to ensure the safety of both people and materials. The logistics planning was extensive, with direct transports from Amsterdam, Arnhem, and Frankfurt am Main, complemented by combined shipments to work efficiently and sustainably.
Our plan of action
Beforehand, we prepared a clear transport plan aligning all routes, objects, and lenders. For each object, we determined the most suitable packaging and transport method, taking into account its size, material, and fragility. During the installation in Nijmegen, several couriers from the lending institutions were present to oversee the installation process. Thanks to thorough preparation and good coordination, the collaboration on site proceeded smoothly and according to schedule.
The result
All objects arrived at the museum on time and in perfect condition. The installation proceeded according to schedule and without any issues. Bitter Harvest became an impressive exhibition where art, nature, and history came together. For us, it was a project that showcased the best of our precision, craftsmanship, and teamwork.
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