The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) required the relocation of the Ming Tomb complex and Guardian Lions as part of a $200 million renovation and expansion ‘Renaissance ROM Re-Development Project.’ The ROM identified and engaged Western as a firm with demonstrated experience and resources to provide heavy moving and relocation services for the various artefacts in the Ming Tomb complex and Guardian Lions, weighing from 18,000 lbs to 90,800 lbs each.
The Ming Tomb was acquired in 1918 and was part of the family cemetery of a Chinese General named Tsu (d. AD 1500). The ROM Guardian Lions originally came from Peking Palace and are of the same period as the Ming Tomb. The Ming Tomb complex and Guardian Lions are priceless and unique in North America and as such were required to be handled with the strictest of care.