SECURE ART STORAGE IN BRUSSELS
8,000 m² dedicated exclusively to the storage of works of art. INCERT certified, monitored 24/7, located in Zaventem — 10 minutes from Brussels and in immediate proximity to Brussels Airport. Short-term or long-term, private unit or shared space: every solution is tailored to the conservation requirements of your collections.
A storage facility designed for works of art
A classic storage unit isn't an art warehouse. The difference isn't cosmetic – it's about Storage conditions, security protocols, staff training, and movement tracking. Our Zaventem warehouse has been specifically designed and certified for works of art.
- 8000 m² entirely dedicated to the storage of works of art
- Certification INCERT Belgian safety standard for the storage of valuables
- 24/7 surveillance with camera system and access control
- Air-conditioned spaces for the conservation of works sensitive to variations
- Notice boards for the secure vertical storage of paints
- Spaces dedicated to sculptures and oversized works
- Customs warehouse for VAT suspension storage
- Private consultation room and professional on-site photo studio
- Inventory management with status reports on entry and exit
- 3 km from Brussels National Airport Zaventem
Short-term storage — between exhibitions, jobs or moving house
The temporary storage of a work of art often meets a precise scheduling constraint: a gallery relocating, a collection awaiting the completion of works, a piece between exhibitions, or a lot purchased at auction awaiting international shipping.
Our short-term storage service supports these situations without restrictive minimum durations. The work is recorded upon entry with a photographic condition report, stored in conditions appropriate to its nature, and returned or sent on the agreed date.
Typical use cases:
- Intermediate storage art fairs (before shipping to the next fair)
- Conservation pendant works of renovation in a gallery or at a collector's
- Storage of a batch pending customs clearance or export
- Securing a collection during a property sale
- Temporary storage after auction purchase
Long-term storage — collection preservation
For collections requiring durable storage, our warehouse offers long-term storage solutions with appropriate preservation protocols. Works are stored in stable conditions, in private units or dedicated spaces depending on the volume and nature of the pieces.
Long-term management includes an up-to-date inventory and the ability to access your works by appointment in our viewing room.
For whom:
- Private collectors rationalising their residential space
- Galleries managing stock that is too large for their exhibition spaces
- Successions and co-ownership during the management of an artistic inheritance
- Institutions that outsource part of their reserves
- Traders waiting for the right market moment to resell
Specialised equipment
Notice boards
Vertical storage of paintings in dedicated cabinets allows individual access to each artwork without disturbing others. This is the standard method used in museums and professional storage facilities. Our cabinets are designed for both standard and large formats.
Oversized sculptures and art installations
Our warehouse has spaces suitable for large sculptures, installations, and oversized items. Each space is assessed based on the dimensions, weight, and handling requirements of the item.
Private units
Private units are available for clients who wish to have a dedicated space for their sole collection, with restricted personal access.
Consultation room and photo studio
By appointment, our consultation room allows for the examination of works in good lighting and space conditions – for an appraisal, a condition report, a presentation to a buyer or an expert. A professional photo studio is available on-site for documentation and museum-quality photography.
Air conditioning and artwork preservation
Temperature and humidity fluctuations are the primary causes of artwork deterioration – well before physical shocks. Our storage facility maintains conservation conditions suitable for sensitive materials: canvas, wood, metal, paper, and photography.
Air-conditioned spaces are suitable for the conservation of paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs and works of art sensitive to ambient variations.
Customs warehouse – VAT suspension storage
Notre entrepôt de Zaventem dispose du statut d’agrément de centre d’affaires.’bonded warehouse. This status allows works imported from countries outside the European Union to be stored in Belgium without VAT being immediately payable — VAT is only due at the time of release within the EU.
This is a particularly useful solution for:
- Galleries that import works for fairs or exhibitions without certainty of sale in the EU
- Collectors who buy internationally and wish to manage their tax affairs over time
- Auction houses that store lots between sales
We manage all associated customs formalities.
The Zaventem advantage — storage close to the airport
Our warehouse is located in Zaventem, 3 km from Brussels National Airport. For artworks arriving or departing by air, this proximity reduces the number of intermediate handling operations – every time an artwork is handled, there is a risk. It also facilitates the coordination between airfreight, customs formalities and storage within a minimal timeframe.
Embelco manages the entire chain: transport from the airport, customs clearance, warehousing, and onward distribution. A single point of contact for the whole process.
Inventory Management and Documentation
On each warehouse entry, we establish a work status report with photographic documentation. This condition report serves as a reference for the exit report and for insurance purposes. An inventory of your collection stored at Embelco is kept up to date and accessible on request.
This traceability is particularly valued by galleries managing several dozen works in stock, and by executors who need to establish a precise inventory as part of an estate.
They trusted us
FAQ
What is the minimum storage duration?
We do not impose a minimum binding duration. We manage storage for a week between exhibitions just as well as the conservation of a collection over several years.
Is the warehouse INCERT certified?
Yes. Our warehouse in Zaventem is INCERT certified, the benchmark Belgian security standard for the protection of valuable assets. This certification is maintained and regularly verified.
Is art storage insurance available at Embelco?
Yes. We offer insurance options tailored to the value of the works being stored. We recommend declaring the value of each piece when it is brought into storage so that the cover is calibrated correctly.
How does warehouse entry work?
Upon arrival, our teams conduct an inventory of the condition of each artwork, accompanied by photographic documentation. An entry form is completed and signed. The artwork is then placed in the designated storage area according to its nature and dimensions.
Can I come and view my artwork?
Yes, by appointment during our opening hours. Our consultation room allows for the examination of items in good conditions.
Who can benefit from your storage services?
Yes, we offer a full art inventory management service. You can easily track and manage your collection with our computerized management system.
Do you offer bonded warehouse storage?
Yes. Our bonded warehouse status allows for the storage of works imported from outside the EU with VAT suspended. We manage the associated formalities.
Is the warehouse suitable for large sculptures?
Yes. We have spaces suitable for bulky and oversized works, with the corresponding handling equipment.
Do you also offer transport?
Yes. Embelco offers the transport of works of art in Belgium and internationally — road, air and sea. Joint management of transport and storage with the same provider eliminates break bulk risks and simplifies coordination.
How to request a quote?
Describe your project — number of works, dimensions, estimated duration, nature of pieces — and we will respond within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.
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