Sculpture and Statuary Art Transport
From the classical marble bust to the contemporary mixed-media structure, transporting a three-dimensional work of art poses a unique logistical challenge. Unlike a painting, a sculpture has no protected side by default. It combines sometimes considerable weight, asymmetrical volumes and points of fragility that vary depending on the materials used: bronze, marble, terracotta, plaster, resin or wood.
To secure every volume of your work, Moviiu combines the long-standing expertise of the Horus group’s art companies with the fluidity of a digital platform. Discover how to guarantee absolute security for your statuary pieces, from the artist’s studio to their place of exhibition or sale.
Why does sculpture transport require custom engineering?
A sculpture is not an inert object like any other. Its three-dimensionality means the work’s centre of gravity must be taken into account to prevent any tipping. In addition, the very nature of the materials dictates the mode of transport:
Mineral and brittle materials (marble, jade, porcelain, terracotta)
They are among the most delicate. They cannot withstand any direct impact and require suspension or ultra-soft wedging.
Contemporary works (mixed media, resins, suspended pieces)
They require surgically precise wedging to prevent any thermal or mechanical deformation caused by vibrations during transport.
Bronzes and metals
Although more robust, they are vulnerable to surface scratches and friction on their patina.
Two options suited to the size and fragility of your work
To meet the needs of emerging artists as well as the demands of major collectors, Moviiu offers two levels of service.
1. "Autonomous" Mode: the fast digital solution
This mode is ideal for robust sculptures of standard dimensions with a value of up to €100,000.
- The criteria: The work must fit within the maximum size of 104 x 60 x 57 cm.
- How it works: In just a few clicks, you get your price in real time. You receive Moviiu’s secure transport packaging at your address. You pack the work yourself with the help of our dedicated video tutorials, and you track the shipment in real time from your dashboard.
2. "All-Inclusive" Service: "White Glove" handling
This premium option is mandatory for oversized sculptures, inherently very fragile pieces (marble, porcelain, terracotta, glass) and complex international shipments.
- Our specialist art technicians come to collect the work on site.
- They design custom packing or a wooden crate tailored to the shape, potential breaking points and weight of the work.
- They handle secure transport and final delivery, with unpacking and installation at destination.
Moviiu packaging science applied to three-dimensional works
Each sculpture has its own structural identity. Our protection protocols draw on expertise refined over decades of museum logistics:
Reinforced triple-wall cardboard box
Our boxes feature a structure capable of absorbing the energy of external impacts.
High-density foam matched to weight
A 15 kg bronze is not wedged like an 800-gram resin piece. The density of our foams is calculated to neutralise inertial forces during the journey.
Isolating points of fragility
A statue always has sensitive areas (protruding extremities, thin limbs, joints, bases). Our wedging technique keeps the main body of the work perfectly stable while leaving delicate parts “suspended”, with no contact with the walls.
💡 Expert tip: accurate measurements
To get an exact price and suitable packaging, your dimensions (height, width, depth) must include the base if it is attached to the work. The exact weight is just as crucial to determine the right density of protective foam.
Case studies: our international transport solutions
Paris ➔ Vienna
Type of work: Contemporary bronze sculpture (sale between galleries).
Logistics solution deployed: White glove collection in Paris by our technicians, anti-friction technical packaging, secure road or air freight, intra-EU customs, delivery and installation in the Viennese gallery.
Geneva ➔ São Paulo
Type of work: Classical marble statue (auction purchase).
Logistics solution deployed: Direct pick-up from the auction room, custom cardboard packing adapted to the weight of the marble, secure air freight, full customs clearance (Switzerland / Brazil) and final delivery to the place of conservation.
Ad valorem insurance and full traceability
Insurance with no deductible up to €100,000
You can take out ad valorem insurance directly when setting up your shipment on our platform.
- It covers your sculpture from the point of departure to final delivery, with no deductible in the event of a claim.
- The cost is transparent: 1% of the declared value of the work
Note: for pieces shipped in Autonomous mode, insurance is subject to the exclusive use of the secure packaging supplied by Moviiu.
Real-time tracking from your customer area
With our app, you follow your work’s journey step by step. From collection to delivery signature, you receive a notification at every key stage of the logistics process.
How to estimate the cost of transporting your sculpture?
Our platform gives you a quote in less than two minutes:
1. Addresses
Enter the pick-up and destination locations.
2. Description of the work
Specify the material, weight and dimensions (base included).
3. Options
Choose your level of service (Autonomous or All-Inclusive) and the amount of insurance you want.
4. Validation
Hand over the shipment and manage delivery online.
For monumental works, museum pieces or works valued at over €100,000, contact our experts directly at info@moviiu.com for a technical assessment and a personalised quote within 24 hours.
Give your sculptures the protection they deserve
Don’t leave the integrity of your statuary works to chance. Benefit from a world-class art transport solution, managed with the simplicity of a connected tool.