The greatest touring exhibitions of our time: Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, plus Tutankhamun the Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. Both exhibitions were safely displayed in TESS Evolution cases, which went on to house other hugely successful touring exhibitions in the USA.

In a massive logistical exercise organised by National Geographic, Arts & Exhibitions International and IMG, with co-operation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, these two exhibitions spent 5 years touring the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, and across the Pacific to Melbourne for the first time in Australian history – quickly becoming the most successful touring exhibition Australia had ever seen.

The priceless artefacts were largely housed in around 100 TESS Evolution Modular Display Cases, which were transported in purpose made crates, assembled, dismantled and reconfigured by the exhibition teams to suit each new venue.

The flexibility and security of the Evolution system was perfectly suited to the demands of such a fast moving and constantly evolving series of exhibitions, particularly as each venue had different shaped galleries or rooms often requiring the cases to be configured to suit the spaces available.

The dual purpose of the tour was to show the magnificent Egyptian artefacts to as many people as possible whilst explaining the history of the ancient Egyptian culture, and to generate revenue for the construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The first objective was overwhelmingly successful with over 8 million visitors throughout the tour. In terms of revenue generation, with average admission prices of around £20 (UK pounds), multiplied by the visitor numbers, it is easy to see why touring exhibitions are so popular in the museum and art worlds.

TESS Demountable is extremely proud to have been the sole supplier of modular showcases for two of the greatest touring exhibitions the world has ever seen.

Evolution – the choice of Kings and Pharaohs.

The TESS Demountable display cases were the only product that met our need for beauty, security and transportability.

Jeffrey Wyatt,
Vice President - Project Management,
Arts and Exhibitions International