The Last Suitcase

A reflective pause in the middle of the year to realign,
and live with intention

The Last Suitcase is a moving experience that invites people of all ages to reflect on life, death, and the legacy we leave behind. At its heart is a poignant display of symbolic “last suitcases”—each carefully packed with personal items, letters, photographs, and objects that reveal the values, hopes, and truths of the individuals who created them. These suitcases serve as vessels of memory, love, and meaning, offering intimate glimpses into what people choose to carry forward—and what they choose to let go.

To participate, we offer facilitated workshops and a take-home starter kit that gently guide participants to explore their own beliefs, what truly matters to them, and how they wish to be remembered. It is a powerful invitation to consider: What would you pack for your final journey?

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.”

—William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well

Stories from The Last Suitcase

  • Open box with stickers and letters

    My final wishes

    Love letters to every member of the family, and my financial documents. I want them to stay positive, celebrate life, stay united and not to be in a state of chaos with all the paperwork after I leave.

    I have also included my ideal afterlife celebration. I do not want to have any remains, I have pledged my body to research.

  • Lego figurine in box

    The next generation

    My wife and I enjoy building Lego sets together. When our son was born, we started building them around his bed. Now, it’s one of the ways we spend quality time together and I really cherish all of these moments.

    I hope that next time, when he has kids of his own, he’ll carry on this tradition and build Lego sets with them too.

  • Box with different pictures and CDs

    Memories of me

    I’ve spent a lot of time with my family in the living room. When I’m no longer around, it might feel a little empty. I hope it stays bright and light, a space filled with good memories, not sadness.

    So, I’ve put together a playlist of songs I love, so when my family hears them, they’ll think of me. I’ve also left some photos and personal items—represented by the keys—as gentle reminders of our time together.

  • Wedding ring

    For my wife

    I'll leave my wedding ring for my wife. It’s a symbol of the life and love we shared.

    Through this ring, I want her to know, that when the time comes, she has my blessing to move forward. If someone new comes into her life, it’s okay with me.

  • A collection of papers and photographs on a table, including a handwritten note on a white box with colorful text and hearts, a page with a Chinese song, a photograph of purple flowers, and a photograph of orange and yellow flowers.

    My dreams

    I’ve always wanted to graduate, but never had the chance. So when I die, I hope to be dressed in a graduation gown.

    These are the flowers I’d like in the coffin with me. If mimosa is hard to find, birds of paradise would be a good alternative.

    This is the song I’d like played at my wake ”海鸥” (Seagulls). I love its lyrics; they’re uplifting and remind people not to give up.

  • White box with drawings

    For my afterlife

    These are called Akshintalu — sacred rice, traditionally placed on a person as a blessing. I want to take those blessings with me into the afterlife, along with flowers, and the feeling of having made someone’s day.

    Whenever I do something nice, I buy myself flowers. To me, they represent a life well-lived, filled with small joys and good intentions.

Origins

“The traveling exhibition A Suitcase for the Last Journey is a project of David Roth in Germany and has been shown in many locations over the past few years. The suitcases have been presented in Germany, as well as in Moscow, Vienna, and Lucerne. In 2016 and 2017, the Goethe-Institut brought the exhibition to Mexico City and Hermosillo.

Workshops

  • Scenic landscape with mountains, lake, and grassy hills under a cloudy sky.

    Unseen Grief+

    14 June 2025, Sat 10.30-12.30pm
    Proud Spaces

    Through open conversations, uncover hidden fears and unspoken struggles within the LGBTQ+ community. Reflect and connect on the legacy that we leave

    Find out more

  • The Last Suitcase

    12 July 2025, Sat 10.30-12.30pm
    Draper @ The Working Capitol

    In this deeply personal workshop, “The Last Suitcase” invites you to explore what it means to prepare not just for the end, but for what we leave behind.

    Find out more
A last suitcase - colorful box filled with love letters, keys, jewelry, a notebook, and decorative items, surrounded by photographs and artwork on a pink surface.

Your own “starter kit”

The Last Suitcase is a creative and contemplative experience that invites people of all ages to reflect on life, death, and legacy. It guides you to explore what truly matters, how you wish to be remembered, and what you might “pack” for your final journey.

Do it on your own at home, or invite close friends and family to do it together. Order your own starter kit.

To be launched 1st July 2025

Normalise end-of-life conversations together

Ignite important conversations with your families, friends and neighbours