Art Transport
Since 1947, Embelco has been providing art transport services for galleries, auction houses, museums, and private collectors, both in Belgium and internationally. Each transport is tailor-made: packaging, mode of transit, insurance level, route — every decision is dictated by the requirements of the artwork, not by a standard price list.
The Art of Transport
Looking for a reliable partner to transport your precious works of art?
At Embelco, we recognize the priceless value of each piece of art. That’s why we take pride in offering high-end transportation solutions tailored specifically for art galleries and dedicated collectors.
Our Artwork Transport service is much more than just a means of transportation. It's a comprehensive experience that ensures security, peace of mind, and absolute respect for your valuable collection. Here's what sets us apart:
The types of transport
Road Transportation
Every week, our lorries serve the main art market hubs: Paris, Cologne, Amsterdam, Luxembourg... Monthly tours complete the coverage towards London, Berlin, Switzerland and Italy. For all other European destinations, we organise dedicated transport or suitable groupage solutions.
These regular tours allow access to the Groupage transport several works from different shippers share the same secure vehicle, subject to packaging compatibility. Consolidation is the most economical solution for galleries that regularly ship to the same destinations. Unit prices are significantly lower than dedicated transport.
For high-value works, comprehensive exhibitions or projects with strict deadlines, we offer dedicated, exclusive transport: one vehicle, one crew, and a single consignment. This service is available to all destinations in Europe, with collection and delivery by appointment.
Air Freight
When distance, value or deadlines demand it, air transport becomes the obvious solution. We take care of the entire process: packing, customs formalities for both export and import, coordination with freight agents and tracking through to final delivery.
This option is particularly suited to the following situations:
- Works of small or medium size with high insured value
- Exhibition loans subject to mandatory installation windows
- Intercontinental Expeditions (Americas, Asia, Middle East)
- Emergencies: acquisition, restitution, claims
We work with specialist freight companies on major art routes and handle CITES certification for works containing regulated materials (ivory, exotic woods, coral).
Sea freight
For large sculptures, voluminous installations, or intercontinental shipments where there is no time constraint, sea freight is the most suitable solution in terms of safety and value for money. Two options are available:
Dedicated container The container is exclusively reserved for your works. An ideal option for complete collections and monumental pieces.
Groupage shipping Your crates are integrated into a shared container with other carefully selected shippers. Each piece benefits from rigorous individual packaging, and compatibility between artworks is systematically checked.
In both cases, we handle all customs formalities, temporary or definitive export certificates, and co-ordination with our partner agents at destination ports.
Types of artwork we transport
Paintings and canvas works
Each piece of artwork is transported according to the requirements of its format and support — flat, upright, or rolled.’packaging is defined on a case-by-case basis to protect the work throughout the transit period.
Sculptures
From small terracotta pieces to works in bronze or marble weighing several tonnes. We have the appropriate lifting and carrying equipment. For monumental sculptures, we assess site constraints before transport.
Oversized items
Installations, monumental sculptures, pieces exceeding standard road transport dimensions. Each oversized project is subject to prior study: route, authorisations, specific equipment.
Antiques and works of art
Antique furniture, ceramics, silverware, enamels, stained glass, statuary. Bespoke packaging for materials sensitive to shock and vibration.
Installations and multimedia works
Coordination with the artist, site manager, or curator for the dismantling, transport of distinct elements, and reassembly on site. Systematic photographic documentation of the condition before transport.
For whom
- Contemporary and Modern Art Galleries
- Auction houses
- Museums and public institutions
- Private collectors
- Art fairs and biennales
- Foundations and art centres
Art fair logistics have specific requirements: strict installation windows, coordinating multiple galleries on the same vehicle, frequent returns to destinations different from the initial shipment, and managing unsold items on-site.
We regularly assist galleries exhibiting at major Belgian and European art fairs. Our dedicated service covers the entire cycle: collection from the gallery, delivery to the stand, collection after closing, and then return or onward shipping to a secondary destination.
Cost of art transport — how is it calculated?
There is no standard rate in art transport. Each quote is drawn up on a case-by-case basis, depending on several parameters that accumulate and interact.
Les dimensions and weight of the artwork immediately determine the type of vehicle required and the body format to be produced — this is the baseline parameter for any calculation. The destination comes next: a domestic delivery, a European tour and an intercontinental shipment obviously do not have the same cost. The mode of transport chosen — road, sea or air — varies the price significantly, with air freight naturally being the highest for the same part.
The choice between dedicated transport and part load consolidation also plays an important role: for destinations served by our weekly routes to Paris, Cologne, Amsterdam or Luxembourg, consolidation helps to significantly reduce the unit cost. The packaging type required — softpack, standard crate or custom-built crate — directly influences the quote, just like the declared insured value, which determines the amount of the nail-to-nail insurance premium.
Finally, the deadline requested — express transport or next scheduled round — and any potential Customs formalities for non-European Union exports complete the calculation.
Our goal
It's to make the delivery of art as simple and hassle-free as possible.
We know that every gallery has unique requirements, which is why we do everything we can to provide you with an exceptional service that exceeds your expectations. Let us take care of the logistics so you can concentrate on creating.
At Embelco
we are as passionate about art as you are.
Trust us to care for your artworks as if they were our own. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward, and we look forward to showing you why we are the top choice for high-quality artwork transport.
Don't wait until transporting your precious artworks becomes a hassle
Contact us today to discuss your requirements. Whether you have a single work to move or an entire collection, we're here to provide you with a complete solution. Simply complete our contact form, and we'll be in touch shortly to discuss your project.
For works in international transit, our bonded warehouse in Brussels allows shipments to be consolidated without triggering VAT.
They trusted us
Case study
Client
Naples Art Institute
Project
"Miradas de Mujeres — Isabelle de Borchgrave
Place
Brussels (Belgium) → Naples, Florida (USA)
Contact
Frank Verpoorten — Executive Director & Chief Curator
"Miradas de Mujeres — Isabelle de Borchgrave
Client
City of Ostend — Cultural Department
Project
Ensor's imaginary paradise
Place
Venetian Galleries, Ostend (Belgium)
Contact
Stijn Jodts
Ensor's imaginary paradise
Client
Naples Art Institute
Project
"Miradas de Mujeres — Isabelle de Borchgrave
Place
Brussels (Belgium) → Naples, Florida (USA)
Contact
Frank Verpoorten — Executive Director & Chief Curator
"Miradas de Mujeres — Isabelle de Borchgrave
FAQ
What services does your company offer?
Embelco specialises in a wide range of services, including the routing and shipping of artworks internationally, storage, packing, handling, protection, relocation and installation for exhibitions and museums, art logistics, customs formalities, and more.
Do you offer international transport of artworks?
Yes, Embelco offers international art object transport. We have the necessary expertise to transport priceless items anywhere in the world, ensuring they arrive at their destination safely.
How is the price of transporting a work of art calculated?
The price depends mainly on the dimensions and weight of the artwork, the destination, the chosen mode of transport (road, air, sea), the type of packaging required, the insured value, and the deadline. Each quote is prepared on a bespoke basis. We respond within 24 hours.
Do you handle customs formalities?
Yes. We handle all formalities for exports and imports outside the European Union: ATA carnets for temporary loans, CITES certificates for regulated materials, documentation for imports under VAT suspension. Our customs warehouse in Brussels allows for the storage of works awaiting customs clearance.
Do you work with art fairs?
Yes. We regularly manage the complete logistics for galleries participating in Belgian and European art fairs, from pick-up at the gallery to return after the event. Please consult our dedicated art fairs service for details.
Does Embelco offer insurance for transported artworks?
Yes, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage for all the artworks we transport. Your precious pieces are protected every step of the way.
What sets Embelco apart from other transport companies?
Our unmatched expertise, maximum security measures, comprehensive insurance, and personalized logistics solutions make Embelco the top choice for fine art transport.
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