Tutankhamun arrives at Melbourne, Australia

Herald Sun (Simon Plant)

Right now, it's as barren as an Egyptian desert. But as Mark Lach traverses the wide open spaces of Melbourne Museum's touring exhibition hall, another world looms before him like a mirage.

A world of giant chambers where the awesome power of an ancient civilisation speaks to us through theatrically lit stones, statues and sarcophagi.

"I can see it all now," he says. And no wonder: Lach is exhibition designer for Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs.

"Of the eight cities we've been to, this is the best space yet," he tells me.

"No columns for one thing, which is almost unheard of, and lovely high ceilings. That gives us enormous freedom."

Touring since 2005, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs boasts 130 Egyptian artefacts, including 50 from Tut's tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

Lach, creative director of Arts and Exhibitions International, has been on every leg of the journey. He brings years of experience in theatre, music and TV to the task.