How to Move a Masterpiece

By OTI Fine Art Services

Ensuring the safe journey of fine art


Transporting art is a highly-specialized field that plays a critical role in the art world, ensuring a masterpiece safely leaves one destination and reaches its next. Whether for a museum, exhibition, or private collection, the art of shipping a work requires not just specialized art handlers but a highly-refined and complex process. Read on to learn about the state-of-the-art solutions of OTI Fine Arts to ensure the safe and secure journey of every masterpiece, big or small. 


Art Logistics and Accuracy

Within the world of art logistics, every minute detail—from f specialized handling to protective materials—are essential for the safe delivery of delicate art. The type of artwork, fragility, weight, vulnerability, and size all play a role in determining how each piece should be packaged and transported to protect against any potential damage before and during transit. 


At OTI Fine Art Services, the process begins with proper packaging. Each artwork is wrapped with protective materials, like acid-free tissue paper, cardboard sheeting, bubble wrap, and blankets to provide cushioning during transit. Especially fragile pieces receive additional support, and porous materials are only handled by gloved hands. Artwork is then carefully packaged in custom-made, water-resistant crates that are meticulously engineered to secure them from the threats of pressure, humidity, impacts, vibrations, and severe climate fluctuations in climate.  These pieces are strategically positioned into trucks in a way that ensures minimal vibration across their surfaces during transit.  In some cases-with particularly delicate paintings or unconventional sculptures-handling requires specialized lifting teams to work with cranes and hoists.


Another crucial aspect of protection is diligent labeling, which means each artwork is clearly identified to indicate the presence of glass and  correct orientation for transit.

OTI Fine Arts’ commitment to state-of-the-art solutions, and meticulous handling and transportation processes, means customers can rest assured their masterpieces are in the best hands.



Galleries, Museums, and Large-Scale Installations

Handling sculptures, and a countless number of art objects necessitates the utmost level of attention and accuracy. Each material and structure carries distinct vulnerabilities, which skilled art handlers assess to determine additional support and protective markings to guarantee the conservation of fragile parts that may be prone to damage. 


For unusually heavier sculptures, comprehending the weight is vital, even when direct weighing appears impractical. Thorough estimations consider the work's volume, aligning the weight with the Safe Working Load of the equipment in operation. This is often a part of transporting art to galleries or museum exhibits, in which CTI’s team also assesses the suitability of the exhibition space. As the showcase preparations initiate, a detailed floor plan of the gallery acts as our team’s guide to determine how windows, doors, and any fixtures may intrude on the artwork's display.


The installation systems for hanging artwork may differ across various galleries, depending on their wall structures while the overarching principles of artful installation remain consistent. Careful planning ensures all installation requirements are met, and any unusual fixings or materials are ordered ahead of time. 


OTI’s team of specialists are committed to short- and long-term art preservation, addressing each artwork with unwavering care and agility. From custom-designed crates to cutting-edge materials, OTI's passion for secure art transportation echoes in every aspect, conserving the essence and safety of each artwork.


Join the community of art collectors  and esteemed galleries who have worked with OTI to transport their prized artwork.

Request a Quote for the art handling services your masterpieces deserve, we are here to turn that into a reality.

Don’t miss anything

Subscribe to our Newsletter for a weekly dose of artistry, updates, and insider exclusives!

Newsletter post


Related posts

By Andres OTI October 20, 2024
Protecting Your Pieces with Oti Art
OTI at work on hanging an artpiece on a wall next to an artwork that says only time will tell
December 12, 2023
When it comes to art, it's all about the presentation! Just like a fine wine needs the right glass to truly shine, artworks require the perfect placement to dazzle and delight. From the angle of the lighting to the spacing between pieces, every tiny tweak can make a massive difference. But fear not, art lovers - with a little know-how and a whole lotta finesse, anyone can curate a display that's worthy of a standing ovation.
OTI team safety meeting
November 7, 2023
Get ready to take a ride into the world of art handling with OTI, where the paint, the marble, the camera, the thread, and the antiques all collide in a thrilling entanglement of art logistics. At OTI Fine Arts Services, we handle art like treasures. Our team of experts will treat your art pieces with the love and attention it deserves.
ny Art photo
August 29, 2023
How OTI’s Founders Worked Their Way to Become an Art Logistics Powerhouse in NYC
OTI art handling
August 18, 2023
Behind the Logistics:  Art Handling Specialists.
More Posts