Art logistics during war: Klaus Hillmann saves Ukrainian cultural treasures!

Art logistics during war: Klaus Hillmann saves Ukrainian cultural treasures!

Art transport as a life's work

Klaus Hillmann is a man who has dedicated his life to art. What began as a small business in 1979 has developed over the years into a company that transports works of art throughout Europe and overseas. His company TANDEM in Cologne now employs around 60 people and even has a branch in Berlin. Hillmann, who started out as a trained bookseller and worked in a gallery in Cologne, has had a remarkable career in art transport.

In the early years, he says, safety standards in art transport were rather lax. Works of art were often transported unpackaged, which is now unthinkable. The introduction of bubble wrap in the 1980s marked a turning point in the industry. Hillmann outlines the development: “It was about treating works of art with the same respect, regardless of their value.” His trucking company's vehicles are intentionally kept neutral to minimize the risk of theft. Security measures such as two-up driving and alarm systems are part of his philosophy to protect the works of art.

A project close to Hillmann's heart is supporting the Ukraine Art Aid Center (UAAC). Together with others, he founded the association to save Ukrainian works of art and transport aid to Ukraine. The initiative was particularly launched after the Russian war of aggression, which threatened Ukraine's culture and heritage. The Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation also supported the network and financed a coordination office for the protection of cultural assets.

Protection of Ukrainian cultural assets

The network in which the UAAC is active organizes material transport to Ukraine. This is particularly important to secure the damaged museum collections and monuments. There are always challenges when organizing these relief operations, such as the lack of supplies such as packaging materials and protective materials for fragile objects. Support comes, among others, from the Rhineland-Palatinate State Fire Brigade Association, which provides materials for firefighting. “This allows us to offer targeted support,” says Olena Balun, a Ukrainian-born art historian who coordinates the transports.

Art and culture are still in focus even in times of war. In collaboration with organizations such as the Goethe-Institut and the ALIPH Foundation, an event entitled “Ukraine's cultural sector at war: A pillar of resilience” was held on July 24, 2025. Experts were able to come together here to discuss challenges and possible solutions.

Art as a pillar of resilience

The event was part of a larger context in which communities want to protect monuments and museums while strengthening cultural initiatives. The federal government has made 20 million euros available in the 2022 cultural budget alone for the protection of Ukrainian cultural assets in order to promote digitization and scholarships for refugee artists.

How important the idea of ​​protecting cultural assets is is also reflected in the numerous initiatives that have arisen out of necessity. The aid network was launched by the Association of German Art Historians. “A strong cultural heritage is an indispensable resource for society,” emphasizes Hillmann, underlining the importance of his commitment.

For Klaus Hillmann, art is not just a business, it is a passion. At a time when works of art are under threat, we understand the central role that people like him play in preserving and protecting our cultural heritage.

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