Museum Moving Services

Exhibitions • Artifacts • Renovations • Relocations • Climate Controlled Storage

Museums are home to invaluable treasures, from historical artifacts to priceless works of art. We provide specialized solutions for preserving and protecting these treasures.

Have any questions?

A professional moving and storage partner with expertise in museum services can provide the care, precision, and solutions needed to protect your artifacts while meeting the unique needs of museums.

Overview

Museums are home to invaluable treasures, from historical artifacts to priceless works of art. These institutions play a vital role in preserving and showcasing cultural heritage, and every piece they hold has its own story and significance. When it comes to moving or storing these precious items, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Case Study: The Old Courthouse of St. Louis

We recently had the unique opportunity to transport an original Overland wagon from the Old Courthouse in St. Louis to the Old Post Office location. This move required the expert disassembly and careful reassembly of the 200-year-old artifact. The wagon was donated by a man in Iowa and was in the Museum under the Gateway Arch from the 1970’s until 2014, where it went on display inside of the Old Courthouse. Due to courthouse renovations, the wagon needed to be moved and Dodge was delighted to be tasked with the job.

Here is some history of the wagon:  Wagon travel was not new to the West in the 1840’s as traders had been using wagons for years. Immigrant guidebooks published in the 1840’s and 1850’s recommended wagons of simple construction, built from timber, and adaptable for use as a cart or a boat if needed. Some pioneers purchased wagons for the one-way journey to the West. Others converted farm rigs or built the wagon themselves.

Travel by wagon train occurred primarily between the 1840’s–1880’s, disappearing after completion of the first transcontinental railroad. But its place in history is immovable as the first method of major westward expansion. The pioneer families took the risk of movement to a better life, and the wagon carried them west.

How We Can Help

Preservation of Priceless Collections

Museum artifacts often include fragile, irreplaceable items that require expert handling and storage. From ancient relics to contemporary art, every piece must be carefully transported and stored to maintain its integrity. A moving partner with experience in museum services ensures each item is handled with the utmost care.

Climate-Controlled Needs

Many artifacts are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, requiring strict climate control during transportation and storage. Without proper conditions, materials like wood, paper, textiles, and paint can deteriorate.

Large and Complex Objects

Museums often house oversized or unusually shaped items, such as sculptures, furniture, or machinery. Moving and storing these items requires specialized equipment and expertise to safely handle their size and weight.

Common Tasks

Relocation of Collections

Whether moving an entire museum to a new location or transferring collections to a different facility, a moving partner provides the expertise needed for safe and efficient relocation. Services include custom packing for fragile or delicate items, transport in climate-controlled vehicles, and detailed inventory management to track every piece.

Exhibition Support

Museums frequently rotate exhibits or host traveling collections. Moving and storage partners assist with packing and shipping exhibit pieces to other locations, storing items between exhibitions, and coordinating logistics for traveling collections, ensuring timely and secure delivery.

Get more information

Reach out to us for expert advice on museum relocation and storage solutions.

Contact Our Museum Specialists

Our Proven Track Record

With over 120 years in the moving industry, Dodge Moving & Storage has completed more than 150,000 successful relocations.

Coverage & Locations

Serving Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois

Missouri

13390 Lakefront Drive
Earth City, MO 63045
Phone: 314-344-4300
Toll Free: 800-899-3634

Illinois

1430 Frontage Road
O’Fallon, IL 62269
Phone: 618-632-7900
Toll Free: 800-966-7225

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Work With Us?

When you choose Dodge Moving for your office relocation, you’re not just selecting a moving company; you’re partnering with a trusted ally committed to your success. With years of experience serving the St. Louis community, we’ve earned a reputation for reliability and excellence.

We understand that office moves can be complex and disruptive, which is why we’re dedicated to providing a seamless and stress-free experience. From initial planning to final setup, our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process.

 

What specialized equipment and materials will be utilized for packing and transport (e.g., climate-controlled trucks, crates, specialized packing materials)?

The specific equipment and materials will vary depending on the nature and size of the collection, though we can utilize the following items: Custom crating using high-quality materials like plywood, foam, and corrugated board, Specialized dollies and carts that are designed to safely and efficiently move heavy or fragile objects, Air ride suspensions on our trucks to minimize shock and vibration during transport, and other items as needed. 

How does Dodge ensure the safety and security of the collection during transport?

We conduct a detailed inventory of your entire collection, including photographs and condition reports for each item. Our trained crews use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure safe and secure loading and unloading of the collection. We use high-quality, archival-grade packing materials to cushion and protect objects from shock, vibration, and environmental factors. If items need to be stored in our warehouse during transportation for any length of time, we do have a secure yard as well as locked doors and property cameras inside and outside of our warehouse facility.

How will Dodge ensure proper documentation and tracking of all objects throughout the move?

We conduct a thorough inventory of every single object in the collection, including unique identification numbers, detailed descriptions (artist, title, medium, dimensions, etc.), photographs, and condition reports. These lists are kept digitally so that they can be accessed at any time during the move. There is also a check-off process during delivery to ensure that each item made it safely to destination.

How does Dodge train movers on proper handling and packing procedures for museum-quality items?

We hold practical training sessions where movers practice handling and packing techniques on simulated objects. This allows them to develop the necessary skills and gain experience in a controlled environment. We assign experienced supervisors to oversee all moves involving museum collections. These supervisors act as mentors, guiding and assisting movers throughout the process. We also provide ongoing on-the-job training and feedback to ensure that movers are consistently applying the proper handling and packing techniques. 

Contact Us: Get a Quote

Complete the fields below to receive your customized quote to your email address.