Relocating an art exhibition over a long distance can feel overwhelming, especially when you consider the delicate and irreplaceable nature of the pieces involved.
Also, art pieces, especially those displayed at exhibitions, are super expensive. Take Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, for example. It’s priced at $450 million.
Then you have Femme a la montre by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. This one is priced at €126.7 million. You also have artwork from newer artists, like Thomas Taylor, whose Harry Potter work was recently sold for $1.9 million.
Whether you’re an artist, gallery owner, or museum curator, your top priority is that artworks like these arrive at their new destination unharmed. They must be in the same pristine condition they left their previous exhibition venue.
Today, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to safely transport an entire exhibition.
Start with a Solid Plan
Document everything – dimensions, medium, condition – so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
This step will help you determine the packing materials you need and highlight any particularly fragile pieces that require extra care.
If your exhibition includes large sculptures, oil paintings, or other delicate works, you’ll want to assess the specific needs of each. Some may need custom-built crates or temperature-controlled environments during transit.
According to MTS Moving and Storage, poor planning is one of the biggest long-distance moving mistakes that you can make. The more detailed your plan is, the smoother the move will go.
Protecting Each Piece During Packing
The packing process is arguably the most important step when moving an art exhibition. Properly securing each piece will prevent damage caused by movement, temperature fluctuations, or other hazards during the trip.
Start by choosing high-quality packing materials. For framed art, this means using acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, and sturdy corner protectors. Sculptures or oddly shaped pieces will often need custom crates made from plywood and foam to ensure they stay in place and remain unscathed.
Wrap each item carefully and use tape sparingly. For particularly delicate pieces, it’s a good idea to add an additional layer of protection, such as an art plastic covering or moisture barrier.
Working with a Dedicated Long-Distance Moving Company
When traveling a long distance, maybe moving to a new province in Canada or a state in the US, hire a long-distance moving company. Choosing the right moving company is crucial for relocating valuable art over a long distance. Not all moving companies have the experience or expertise needed to handle an art exhibition, so you’ll want to be selective.
Look for a company that specializes in long-distance moves and has experience transporting art or other valuable items. The moving process starts long before the moving truck arrives. You’ll want to have clear communication with the moving company so they understand the complexity of your project.
Discuss the moving plan in detail, making sure they know the specifics of the art they’re transporting and the route they’ll take. The team you hire should be familiar with the packing process for delicate items and should use equipment designed for a safe, long-distance move.
A reliable moving company will provide temperature-controlled trucks if needed and will ensure that everything is loaded securely. They may also offer specialized services, like real-time tracking, so you can monitor the moving truck’s progress throughout the trip.
Monitoring the Transit
When relocating art over a long distance, transit conditions matter. You’ve invested time, money, and effort into preparing for the move, so it’s important to ensure that everything stays secure throughout the journey.
If possible, monitor the truck’s location during the trip or get regular updates from the moving company.
Consider how environmental conditions might affect the art during transit. High temperatures, humidity, and even rapid shifts in altitude can all have an impact on delicate works.
To mitigate these risks, opt for climate-controlled transport, especially for temperature-sensitive pieces like oil paintings or mixed media. When moving over long distances, it may be wise to stagger the transportation in stages, particularly if there are multiple fragile pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a long-distance move cost?
The cost of a long-distance move depends on factors such as distance, weight, and additional services like packing. Specialty items, the need for storage, and the season may further influence the final cost.
Can you move framed artwork in trucks?
Yes, framed artwork can be moved in trucks, but proper preparation is essential to prevent damage. You should wrap the artwork in protective materials like art plastic and bubble wrap, use cushioning materials, and pack it in custom-sized boxes. It’s also advisable to label them as fragile to ensure careful handling.
How can you move sculptures from one venue to another?
To move sculptures, you’ll need custom crating, professional packing, and possibly climate-controlled transport, depending on the material. Hiring an art handling specialist is advisable to ensure safe delivery. Sculptures should be secured within the truck to avoid any movement during transport.
Moving an art exhibition over a long distance doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning, attention to detail, and the right moving company, you can ensure that each piece arrives safely at its new location. With the right approach, you’ll be able to safeguard your collection and have it ready for display at its new home.