Transporting a work of art is never just a simple move. Every transfer is a preservation mission: ensuring that the piece, sometimes unique in the world, arrives at its destination in exactly the same condition as when it left.
Painting, sculpture, contemporary installation, or photograph, each requires specific precautions, materials, and logistics. It is a demanding craft at the crossroads of art, technique, and the science of packing.

Step 1: Assessment and Preparation

Before moving any artwork, everything begins with a thorough diagnostic. This first phase determines the success of the entire process.
Transporting a work without prior evaluation would be like moving a precision instrument without calibrating it. Each material, canvas, marble, metal, wood, or paper, reacts differently to vibration, humidity, or temperature fluctuations.

Identifying the Type and Value of the Artwork

The analysis takes into account:

• the medium (oil on canvas, watercolor, bronze, etc.)
• dimensions and weight
• structural fragility
• market and cultural value

These factors help define the handling protocol, the type of crate, and the insurance required.
International museums follow precise standards, such as the Bizot Green Protocol, to limit the environmental impact of art transport.

Defining the Packing Strategy

Packing a work of art is anything but improvised.
Specialists design several protective layers:

• neutral tissue paper or barrier film to prevent chemical transfers
• polyethylene foam to absorb shocks
• Tyvek® sheets to regulate humidity

Each layer serves a purpose: isolation, absorption, or mechanical protection.
👉 Good to know: packing can represent up to 10–20% of the total transport cost, depending on the material and destination.

Step 2: Packing and Crating

Once protected, the artwork must be crated to withstand all logistical challenges. This is the most technical stage.
Crates are custom-built by specialized craftsmen, often using ISPM15-treated plywood for international transport. They integrate support systems, ventilation, and sometimes even climate control.

Custom Crates

There are several types:

• Simple crate: for short journeys or robust works
• Double-wall crate: for sensitive transports with shock absorption
• Climate-controlled crate: for humidity-sensitive works (paper, photography, wood)

Some crates include temperature and vibration sensors for real-time monitoring.

National vs. International Transport

For domestic transport within France, procedures are more flexible: customs clearance is unnecessary, and logistical delays are shorter.
International transport, however, is another matter:

• mandatory customs declaration (SAD form)
• export licenses for classified artworks
• coordination between airlines, freight forwarders, and insurers

Step 3: Choosing the Mode of Transport

The logistical approach depends on the type of artwork, budget, and urgency.

Dedicated Road Transport

This is the most common method for domestic and European routes.
Vehicles are specially equipped with:

• hydraulic suspension systems to reduce vibration
• thermal control (18–22 °C)
• secure strapping systems
• real-time GPS tracking

Air and Sea Transport

Air freight is essential for long-distance or international exhibitions. Works usually travel on priority cargo flights, handled manually at each stopover.
Sea transport, on the other hand, is reserved for robust pieces or large installations. Climate-controlled and cushioned containers are then used.

Logistics Monitoring and Traceability

Every movement is tracked using IoT sensors: temperature, humidity, tilt, vibration.
This data can be accessed online by curators or collectors.

👉 Good to know: temperature variations above 5 °C can already weaken certain paint layers (source: Canadian Conservation Institute).

Step 4: Formalities, Insurance, and Delivery

Even the best packing is not enough, administrative processes play a crucial role.

Customs and Documentation

Artworks are subject to strict regulations:

• export certificates for works over 50 years old
• ATA carnets for temporary loans
• CITES declarations for artworks containing animal materials (ivory, tortoiseshell, etc.)

Insurance: A Necessary Step

No artwork travels without ad valorem insurance, based on its declared value.
Some policies also cover handling risks and climate-related damage.
The “nail-to-nail” insurance remains the gold standard: it covers the artwork from the moment it is taken down until it is reinstalled.

Delivery and Installation

Upon arrival, a condition report is systematically carried out, often in the presence of a museum or artist representative.
Specialized art carriers also handle the installation, sometimes under the supervision of an exhibition registrar.

Step 5: Specific Cases and Special Requirements

Some artworks require exceptional protocols.

Sculptures and Large-Scale Works

Monumental sculptures or installations require:

• low-pressure forklifts
• custom lifting cradles
• sometimes partial disassembly before transport

Sensitive and Multimedia Works

Contemporary pieces (neons, screens, interactive installations) require dual verification: both electronic and material.
They are often accompanied by an artist-technician during transit.

Sustainable Art Transport

More and more transporters are adopting:

• low-emission vehicles
• recyclable packing materials
• shared transport routes between museums

👉 Did you know?
A reusable crate can be used up to 20 times before being recycled, significantly reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.

Summary Table: Art Transport Process

Step	Main Objective	Key Participants	Key Elements
1. Assessment & Preparation	Identify risks and needs	Registrar, curator	Diagnostic, value, fragility
2. Packing & Crating	Protect the artwork effectively	Packer, specialized carpenter	Custom crate, neutral materials
3. Transport	Ensure safe delivery	Art transporter, logistics expert	Temperature control, GPS tracking
4. Formalities & Insurance	Secure the transfer legally	Customs, insurer	ATA documents, “nail-to-nail” insurance
5. Delivery & Installation	Verify condition and install	Registrar, installer	Condition report, final setup

Moviiu’s Art Transport Solutions

At Moviiu, we have reimagined art transport to make it simple, digital, and highly secure.
Through our online platform, you can get an instant quote, schedule your transport, and track every step of the journey, both in France and internationally.

Our services cater to galleries, museums, auction houses, and private collectors.
We offer:

• custom-built crates and certified packing for all types of artworks
• road, air, or multimodal transport depending on the destination
• real-time tracking via connected sensors
• nail-to-nail insurance and secure storage options
• full assistance with customs and administrative formalities

By choosing Moviiu, you benefit from the expertise of the Horus Group, a European leader in art logistics, while enjoying a modern and transparent approach.
Whether for a one-time transfer, an exhibition, or an international tour, our teams adapt to your needs to ensure peace of mind at every stage.