A Group ESI brand
ESI Fine Art
Transport, packing and installation of works of art for museums, galleries, auction houses and private collectors
The Group ESI brand dedicated to works of art
ESI Fine Art brings together every Group ESI skill devoted to works of art and valuable objects: museum-quality packing and crating, national and international transport in Fine Art vehicles, customs and Fine Arts formalities, handling, installation, hanging and high-security storage.
Paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, antique furniture, collectors’ items or design pieces: every work is surveyed beforehand and handled with a tailor-made solution, from collection to white-glove delivery. A single point of contact coordinates every operation, in France and abroad.
A standard recognised by museums, galleries and the art market
For more than 40 years, Group ESI teams have supported museums, exhibition centres, foundations, galleries, antique dealers, auction houses and private collectors on their most sensitive projects.
Our Fine Art trucks are padded, climate-controlled and fitted with hydraulic suspension. Our workshops build museum-quality crates to lenders’ requirements and to our own technical recommendations. Our Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status and our network of specialist agents worldwide keep customs operations running smoothly, on both import and export.
Our technicians are experienced art packers, riggers and installers, trained in the most specific handling and hanging techniques.
Our sectors
Who ESI Fine Art is for
Museums & Exhibitions
Handling, packing, customs, transport, installation and hanging for museums, exhibition centres and foundations.
Dealers & Gallery owners
Premium, discreet logistics for art dealers, galleries, antique dealers and private collectors.
Architects & Interior designers
Turnkey projects for exceptional properties, villas, head offices, hotels, yachts and aircraft.
Expertise
Our method
Survey & inventory
On-site visit, condition survey of the works, definition of the protections and the resources to deploy.
Museum-quality packing
Crates built in our workshops to lenders’ requirements, with bespoke soft packing.
Transport & courier service
Padded, climate-controlled trucks with hydraulic suspension, air and sea solutions, courier accompaniment.
Installation & hanging
Rigging, lifting, scenographic placement and hanging by experienced art packers.
Certifications & affiliations
Recognised guarantees
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about transporting works of art
What are the first steps to transport a work of art safely?
It all starts with a detailed survey: the nature of the work, its weight and dimensions, handling conditions, final destination and applicable formalities. Where needed we arrange a visit to the place of conservation in order to draw up a precise inventory and define the packing, the people and equipment required, and the schedule of operations.
Which customs formalities apply to works of art?
Depending on the destination and the length of stay, a work may travel under an ATA carnet (temporary admission), under permanent export, or under CITES procedure for protected materials. Our Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status and our specialist Fine Arts customs declarants secure all of these procedures, on both import and export.
How are your museum-quality crates built?
They are built to measure in our workshops, from the lender’s specifications and our own technical recommendations: reinforced structure, thermal insulation, anti-vibration cushioning, sealing gaskets and, where required, a climate-controlled crate or a T-frame for oversized formats. Soft packing is likewise designed case by case.
What insurance cover should be arranged for a work in transit?
We recommend nail-to-nail insurance, which covers the work from the moment it is taken down to its installation at destination, return included. The amount is based on the value declared by the owner or their expert, and our teams support you in assembling the file and documenting the works.
Do you offer storage for high-value works?
Yes. ESI Fine Art has high-security, temperature-controlled storage space as well as safes sized for high-value works. Storage can be arranged for short periods, between two exhibitions, or on a long-term basis.
Do you have a Fine Art project?
Temporary exhibition, loan between institutions, art fair, auction purchase or collection relocation: let’s talk about your project today.