Artwork Transport for Galleries and Professionals
Delivering a major work to a private collector, transferring a centrepiece from one branch to another, or bringing back a consignment at the end of an exhibition: art logistics leaves no room for approximation. Every shipment involves far more than a parcel: it carries your reputation, the integrity of the artist’s work and a financial value that is sometimes strategic for your business.
Moviiu combines the physical expertise of the Horus Group (an international network of art shippers) with the flexibility of a 100% digital platform.
Why do galleries need dedicated logistics?
In the art world, last-mile delivery is the most critical stage. A work that arrives with a scuffed frame, cracked glass, or stuck in customs because of a missing document means a broken relationship of trust with a collector.
Professional art transport requires threefold expertise: preventive conservation during packing, meticulous traceability and complete mastery of customs.
On top of these constraints come criteria specific to the art market:
Protecting your brand image
Your clients expect flawless service, from first contact to final hanging.
Customs engineering
Precise management of imports and exports, use of ATA carnets, or obtaining export licences for cultural goods.
Flexible flows
The ability to switch from a one-off shipment to grouped logistics for several pieces for a fair.
Moviiu’s support relies on a worldwide network of 17 specialist companies from the Horus group. This dual expertise, digital and logistical, lets your gallery delegate the technical complexity while offering your buyers a delivery experience worthy of the work they have acquired.
One platform for the diversity of your catalogue
Textured oil on canvas, patinated bronze sculpture, photographic print under museum glass or multimedia installation… A gallery does not sell standard formats. Rather than multiplying specialist providers, Moviiu automatically adapts its protection protocols to the specific features of each medium:
Works on paper & canvases
Exclusive use of Tyvek® (neutral, breathable and anti-abrasive) or Melinex® to prevent any alteration of pigmented surfaces.
Framed works under glass
Systematic application of low-tack masking tape to secure the glass without leaving residue on the frame.
Volumes & sculptures
Reinforced dynamic wedging and protective crates to neutralise structural vibrations.
One contact, one dashboard, one invoice: take back control of your logistics.
Two tailored options depending on what is at stake in your sales
1. The "All-Inclusive" Service: full handling by art technicians
Designed for high-value pieces, fragile or bulky works, and deliveries to demanding collectors. This premium service takes care of everything:
- “White Glove” collection: Specialist art technicians come directly to your gallery or storage to collect the work.
- Custom packing: Design of packaging adapted to the fragility of the piece (complex padding, wooden crates built to museum specifications).
- End-to-end supervision: Full management of transport, complex import/export customs formalities and hand delivery with installation or final hanging at the collector’s premises by professional art handlers.
2. The "Autonomous" Mode: digital responsiveness for your standard formats
A flexible solution designed to optimise the cost of your regular shipments (edition multiples, small formats, works on paper) that do not require heavy handling:
- Instant pricing: You get a firm price in real time on our platform based on the dimensions entered.
- Packing ecosystem: You receive at your gallery a high-tech secure packing kit, developed for the protection of works of art.
- Supported autonomy: Your teams prepare the piece using our video tutorials based on preventive conservation standards, then hand the parcel over to our partner network.
- Proactive tracking: Complete monitoring of the shipment from your professional account.
A partner designed for your day-to-day management
Collector transparency
Share a real-time tracking link with your buyers. A major source of reassurance to ease the anxiety of a client waiting for an important piece.
Centralised administration
Quotes, paid invoices, customs documents and release forms are all archived in one place. Your accounting and post-fair reviews are simplified.
Important: accurate declaration of value.
To ensure our insurance is effective and avoid customs delays, the declared value must be strictly identical to the invoice price (or certified inventory value). Under-declaring cancels ad valorem compensation in the event of a claim, while over-declaring generates unjustified duties and taxes at destination.
Case studies: expertise in action
Paris ➔ Vienna
Requirement: A gallery in the Marais delivers a large textured painting (valued at €45,000) to an Austrian collector.
Moviiu logistics solution: All-Inclusive Service: collection by two art technicians at the gallery, custom packing in Tyvek® and a shuttle crate, secure transport, intra-EU formalities, delivery upstairs and final hanging in Vienna.
Munich ➔ São Paulo
Requirement: Sale of an edition photographic print (standard format) via the gallery’s online platform.
Moviiu logistics solution: Autonomous Mode: reinforced packing kit received in Munich, low-tack tape applied, shipment via our partner air freight network, full import customs clearance in Brazil and door-to-door delivery.
Ad valorem insurance & climate-controlled storage
Comprehensive cover up to €100,000
Every work can be covered from collection by Moviiu ad valorem insurance, with no deductible, at a standard rate of 1% of the declared value (minimum €20), subject to the use of our approved packing solutions.
Over €100,000? Our “Key Accounts & Exceptional Works” team reviews your file manually to offer tailored extended cover (contact: info@moviiu.com).
Claims handling: In the event of a technical reservation or damage noticed on opening, a completed file submitted within 72 hours (with condition report photos) is processed and examined within 15 days.
Art storage and transit storage solutions
A gap between two fairs? A rehang or works in your space? Your works can be housed in our secure storage facilities, with controlled temperature and humidity, anywhere in the world through our sister companies’ network.
How to create your first transport order?
Estimating your shipment takes less than two minutes, with no commitment:
1. Geography
Enter the collection address (gallery, artist’s studio or storage) and the destination.
2. Work details
Specify the nature of the piece (medium, overall dimensions including frame, estimated weight and commercial value).
3. Level of service
Select Autonomous or All-Inclusive, and adjust your level of insurance cover.
4. Validation
Sign your transport order electronically. Your shipping documents are generated instantly.
Need a complex quote for a complete fair stand or a grouped shipment? Contact our experts within 24 hours via info@moviiu.com.
FAQ: your questions about art logistics
Are there any restrictions on the types of eligible works?
We handle almost all mediums (paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, installations, antiques). The only restrictions concern materials subject to strict regulations (such as ivory or certain wood species protected by CITES), for which our customs experts must validate a specific protocol.
Is the hanging service available for all destinations?
Our “White Glove” option with heavy handling and in-home installation is fully operational in the major art market hubs: France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Canada and Brazil. For areas outside these countries, contact our team to assess the capabilities of our local partners.
How does climate-controlled transit storage work?
Our storage facilities meet international museum standards: temperature stabilised at 20 °C (± 2 °C) and relative humidity maintained around 50% (± 5%), under 24/7 video surveillance and strict access control.
Entrust your artists' logistics to a partner who knows the codes of the art market.
Combine digital responsiveness with the physical rigour of a long-established network.