Transporting artworks: what solutions and what costs?

Transporting an artwork is never a trivial matter. Whether it’s for a sale, an exchange, or simply for an exhibition far from home, this step requires as much care as the creation of the piece itself. While organizing several exhibitions with Atfu, we realized that transport is often a major source of stress — even though, with a bit of planning and a few key guidelines, it can unfold smoothly and confidently.

The first thing to consider is the type of transport suited to the artwork. For light pieces or short distances, standard postal services such as La Poste’s Colissimo can be sufficient. It’s convenient and fast, and prices remain reasonable — for example, a 5 kg tracked parcel within France costs around €30. But this solution has its limits: artworks don’t always receive specialized handling, and the maximum insurance may be insufficient for valuable pieces.

For a more affordable yet flexible option, collaborative platforms like Cocolis allow you to entrust your artwork to an individual heading to the same region or destination. Prices generally range from €20 to €150 depending on distance and size. This type of transport is particularly useful for exchanges between artists or short-distance shipments, while also having a lower environmental impact.

When the artwork is more valuable or the shipment crosses a border, it’s best to turn to specialized art transporters. These professionals handle packing, transport, insurance, and sometimes even the installation of the piece. For example, Moviiu offers services specifically tailored to artists, with quotes adjusted to the size and value of each artwork and full insurance coverage. Mathez Art Logistics handles national and international transport with custom-built crates and personalized tracking. Finally, Convelio provides solutions across Europe and internationally, with detailed tracking and options for air or sea freight.

It’s useful to get an idea of the costs before choosing a solution. For a medium-sized canvas, around 80×120 cm, specialized transport within Europe can cost between €300 and €500, including packing and insurance. For larger artworks or international shipments, prices can exceed €1,000. In comparison, standard postal services or Cocolis are usually cheaper but do not offer the same level of safety or traceability.

Before preparing the shipment, several points need checking. The packing must be suitable: custom crate, shock protection, internal padding, and moisture resistance. Insurance must reflect the artwork’s actual value, and it’s important to be able to track the shipment through a dedicated contact. For international shipments, prepare the required documents, such as the certificate of authenticity, invoice, and, if needed, customs declaration. Taking photos of the packaged artwork can also serve as evidence in case of an issue.

Finally, it’s always advisable to factor transport costs into the overall value of the artwork, whether for a sale or an exchange. This approach avoids unpleasant surprises and frames transport as a natural part of the creative process, rather than a constraint.

In short, transporting an artwork is not just a logistical step, but a moment that requires attention and care. Choosing the right solution, preparing the packing properly, ensuring tracking, and anticipating costs all help build confidence and peace of mind — for both the artist and the recipient.

If you have other transport tips or companies to recommend, feel free to share them with everyone! (⇒[email protected])

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links :

La Poste – Colissimo

Cocolis

Moviiu

Mathez Art Logistics

Convelio