Tower Museum, Derry Moves Pieces To Belfast
PACK & SEND Belfast East has completed Phase 1 of a highly specialised artefact relocation project for Derry City and Strabane District Council, demonstrating the level of expertise required to handle fragile, valuable and historically significant items.
The project involved the removal and transport of museum pieces from the Tower Museum in Derry to conservation facilities in Belfast, where they will be preserved ahead of their return for display in the new DNA Museum, currently under development in the Ebrington area.
Handling History with Precision
The artefacts include items from the Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera exhibition, which form part of Derry’s rich maritime heritage. These pieces required careful handling, bespoke packaging and controlled transport conditions to ensure their preservation.
Specialist logistics providers were essential to the operation, with PACK & SEND Belfast East selected to oversee the movement due to its experience in transporting fragile and high-value items.
A Complex Logistics Operation
This was not a standard collection and delivery. The project required coordination between multiple organisations, including Derry City and Strabane District Council, museum teams and conservation specialists from National Museums NI.
The operation included:
- Careful dismantling of internal museum fixtures
- Removal of windows to enable crane access
- Waterproofing and protection of sensitive artefacts
- Controlled lifting and extraction from the building
- Secure loading and transport to Belfast
In one instance, large artefacts such as historic naval items had to be carefully manoeuvred through building openings using specialist lifting equipment, highlighting the level of planning and precision required.
Why PACK & SEND Was Chosen
PACK & SEND Belfast East is part of a wider UK network specialising in the shipment of fragile, large, awkward and valuable items. The business provides a full-service solution including packing, collection, freight and international delivery.
Its expertise in art and heritage logistics has seen it work with collectors, galleries and institutions, handling items that require a high level of care, documentation and risk management.
Projects like this demonstrate how specialist shipping goes far beyond standard courier services, involving engineering coordination, custom packaging design and multi-party logistics management.
Supporting the Future DNA Museum
The relocation is part of a wider cultural initiative linked to the development of the new DNA Museum in Derry, which is expected to open in 2027.
Following this initial phase, further work will include conservation, cataloguing and digitisation of the artefacts, alongside public engagement initiatives designed to bring the collection to a wider audience.
Once complete, the artefacts will return to Derry and be installed in a modern exhibition space, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility.
What This Means for the Industry
This project highlights the growing demand for specialist logistics services across sectors such as museums, galleries, eCommerce and high-value goods.
Businesses and institutions increasingly require partners who can handle complex shipments with precision, compliance and care — particularly where items are fragile, irreplaceable or culturally significant.
PACK & SEND operates across the UK providing exactly this type of service, from single-item shipments to full-scale relocation projects.
Start Your Own PACK & SEND Franchise
Projects like this are a clear example of the opportunities available within the specialist shipping sector.
PACK & SEND offers franchise opportunities across the UK for individuals looking to build a business in logistics, eCommerce support and high-value shipping.
As a franchise owner, you can operate a service centre offering:
- Art and antiques shipping
- Fragile and high-value item transport
- Large and awkward shipment solutions
- International courier and freight services
The model combines a recognised brand, proven systems and ongoing support, allowing you to enter a growing market with strong demand.
If you are looking to run your own business in a sector that combines logistics, customer service and problem-solving, PACK & SEND franchise opportunities are available across the UK.
