Museum-goers rarely think about how art objects they come to admire actually got to the exhibition and how much work was behind transporting each of them. The mechanisms required to get all exhibited items together are extremely complex. They involve loan agreements, insurance, packing, handling, shipping, and art installation, to name a few. Each step is delicate, risk-prone, and often expensive. In this blog post, you will learn more about how exactly international fine art shipping is organized, who is involved, and why professional art shipping companies are key actors in this process.
The Role of International Fine Art Shipping
The contemporary art ecosystem is inherently international. It means that art connoisseurs can access art pieces outside their own localities by attending international exhibitions. Some particularly popular exhibitions can travel to many large cities across the globe (e.g., an exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s personal belongings was first displayed at the Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico City and then traveled to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Brooklyn Museum in New York, and the de Young Museum in San Francisco).
The amount of preparatory work in such cases is immense. Art managers, insurance companies, lead curators, art shipping companies, and many other professionals work collectively to minimize the risk of damage during transportation. Before the shipping can even start to be planned, there can be years of negotiations between museums. Every small detail needs to be discussed in advance, from the furniture used for the exhibition to the security systems and climate control that must be installed in the room. In the case of extremely precious pieces of art, high-level diplomacy can also be involved. For example, it is known that Jackie Kennedy helped ensure that the portrait of Mona Lisa was exhibited in the USA in 1963.
The Role of Fine Art Shippers
Where do fine art shippers stand in this process? Since every art piece needs to be carefully packed and transported to the destination point, art shipping companies are the main actors. They take care of the shipping documentation, build custom wooden crates for each piece, and develop optimal logistics routes. Given that every art piece can cost millions of dollars, shipping companies seek to reduce risks as much as possible. Cushioning materials, expert handling, and secure storage are a must in high-grade shipping.
If you are looking for a company specializing in international fine art shipping of high-value items, contact Fine Art Shippers. We will take care of your artworks and ensure they reach their destination in perfect condition.