Art & Culture

Masterpieces in Motion: The Journey to Louvre Abu Dhabi

Transporting some of the world’s most iconic paintings—priceless masterpieces by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Seurat, and their contemporaries—to the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s latest exhibition, Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances, is no ordinary feat. It’s a logistical ballet of precision, innovation, and unwavering care, where every brushstroke is cherished, and every frame is protected.

The exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Muséed’Orsay and France Muséums, showcases over 100 Post-Impressionist artworks, each carrying a piece of art history. But before visitors can marvel at these masterpieces, the artworks have undertaken a journey of monumental proportions. L’Officiel Arabia speaks with Jerome Farigoule, Chief Curator, Louvre Abu Dhabi to get an inside view of the meticulous process.

What key factors go into transporting over 100 Post-Impressionist masterpieces to Louvre Abu Dhabi?

Precision, innovation, and unwavering care: showcasing an exhibition of around 100 masterpieces—Post-Impressionist or otherwise—requires a skilled team and meticulous planning to ensure all safety and security measures are in place. Such an operation is only possible through close collaboration between the lending institutions—Musée d'Orsay, Centre Georges Pompidou, BnF, or Musée de Grenoble—and the hosting museum, in this case, Louvre Abu Dhabi (LAD). The success of this exhibition is built upon the long-standing and ongoing relationships our museum has with these prestigious partners, who have graciously agreed to lend us some of their most exceptional masterpieces.

Can you describe the role of the conservation team in preparing the artwork for transportation?

The conservation team at the lending museum ensures that each artwork is in a condition suitable for safe travel and that transportation, handling, and display conditions are risk-free. The conservation management team at LAD, as the destination museum, oversees all technical aspects, from the departure of the artwork to its installation in the temporary exhibition galleries and throughout the duration of the project.

How do you manage climate and environmental conditions during transit to prevent any damage?

The artworks are transported under carefully controlled conditions that maintain their safety, security, and the required climate parameters. A range of factors must be considered and constantly monitored to ensure the integrity of each piece during transit.

How are the galleries prepared to house the artworks in terms of environmental conditions?

The environmental conditions are determined by the lending museum and involve key museographic requirements, including climate control. LAD ensures that all necessary measures are in place to maintain these conditions from the artworks' arrival to their return to the lending institution. The temporary exhibition spaces at LAD are specifically designed to regulate temperature and relative humidity using the museum's advanced building management system. These gallery environments are continuously monitored and adjusted to meet the set parameters agreed upon with the lenders and the Preventive Conservation team.