Traveling Exhibitions + Collections

Minnesota Street Project Art Services is recognized as the San Francisco Bay Area’s most innovative, client-focused, and fastest-growing locally-owned art storage, shipping, & handling company. As we continue to grow, we are able to increasingly leverage our expert team of professional registrars, art handlers, project managers, and client services staff and our comprehensive range of museum-quality services to provide more integrated and tailored solutions for the diverse needs of private collectors, galleries, art museums and cultural institutions. This allows us to address specific requirements, such as the complex logistics involved in managing traveling exhibitions & collections, by combining our extensive capabilities.

Successfully orchestrating a traveling exhibition demands meticulous planning, expert handling, and reliable support at every stage. Minnesota Street Project Art Services is uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive services covering the entire lifecycle of an art collection’s travel, from preparation and documentation, including packing and crating, to transportation and installation. Serving a diverse range of private collectors, galleries, museums and cultural institutions, we understand the unique demands of traveling exhibitions & collections and offer a comprehensive suite of museum-quality services designed to protect your valued artworks and ensure a smooth experience for lenders and venues alike.

We offer integrated services covering the entire lifecycle of an art collection’s travel needs:

Preparation & Documentation

Detailed preparation is key to a successful exhibition or collection tour. For more information on our proprietary systems and technology, please visit our Collection Care + Technology page.

• Condition Reporting: Our professional registrars provide in-house and field condition reporting. We offer digital bills of lading (BOLs) and condition reports, allowing for quick and effective dissemination of information

• Comprehensive Documentation: Utilizing our proprietary systems like ObjecTracker and the client-facing ARTracker, we maintain detailed records, including artwork images, dimensions, and notes. For exhibitions, this data can be crucial for managing logistics and condition checks across venues

• Custom Packing Instructions & Travel Booklets: In addition to providing digital documentation like BOLs and condition reports and the creation of custom packing & crating solutions, we understand the value of having clear, physical documentation travel with the works. Leveraging our detailed records and packing expertise, we can assist in compiling condition reports and essential artwork information into a consolidated format or design customized packing instructions to facilitate professional handling at each location

Expert Packing & Museum-Quality Crating

The safety of artwork in transit begins with superior packing and crating. Our full-service, on-site Crate Shop offers museum-quality custom artwork crating and packing solutions. To see our full suite of packing and crating offering, visit our Crate Shop page.

• Custom Solutions: Crates are custom-built in-house to artwork specifics to ensure safety during transit and long-term storage sustainability

• Variety of Crate Styles: We offer Museum Crates (most protection, sealed, insulated, good for long-distance/storage), Two-Way Crates (standard multi-use, good for domestic/international shipping and storage), One-Way Crates (economical for local/domestic shipping and storage), and Travel Frames (Museum and Gallery styles for added protection, often for local transport or within crates), among other offerings like Slat Crates, Sleds, Pallets, and Pedestals

• International Ready: All our crates are stamped for international shipping, facilitating seamless movement across borders for international exhibitions or loans

• Professional Packing: Our experienced handlers provide professional long- and short-term packaging for 2D and 3D artworks using archival materials

Secure Transportation & Logistics

Reliable and secure transportation is vital for traveling shows. For our most up to date list of Fine Art Shuttle service and schedules, visit our Transportation + Shuttle Service page.

• Specialized Fleet: Our climate-controlled fleet is operated by experienced art handlers and equipped with air-ride suspension, GPS tracking, and BABACO™ alarm systems

• Shuttle & Shipping Services: We provide daily transportation in the Bay Area and regular shuttle service between San Francisco, Southern California, and the Pacific Northwest. Our LA shuttle runs twice monthly and we also provide regular & recurring East Coast shuttle service. Additional local, national, and exclusive shuttle services are available as well as coordination of cross-country and international shipping with vetted third-party partners held to our high standards, where appropriate

• Load Plans: Creating detailed load plans using Sketchup modeling is a popular service that helps decrease load times and shipping costs for complex transports

Short- and Long-Term Storage

When exhibitions require temporary storage between venues or long-term solutions, our museum-standard facilities are available. For more details on our unique storage solutions, visit our Storage page.

• Museum-Standard Storage: Our facilities are climate-controlled (70°F +/- 5°, 50% RH +/- 5°), with robust HVAC controls and 24/7 remote monitoring. We also offer differentiated Cool and Cold storage environments for specific media needs

• Security: Facilities feature continuous video surveillance, tightly controlled access, comprehensive fire protection, seismic safety measures, Integrated Pest Management, and anonymized barcodes for security and client protection

Installation Service

Our experienced field art handlers can assist with installation and deinstallation at regionally based exhibition venues. More details on these services can found on our Installation page.

• Experienced Team: Our team is highly experienced in working with all art mediums and environments, including museums and art fairs

• Specialized Handling: Services include installation and deinstallation, complicated sculpture rigging, and the installation of security hardware or mounting brackets for earthquake safety

Trusted by the Art Community: We consistently exceed expectations with excellent customer service and art-based acumen. Our client base of art museums, cultural institutions, and private collectors have lauded our team’s competence, professionalism, and ability to handle complex projects. Galleries and industry consultants also attest to our professionalism, responsiveness, and expert knowledge in handling fine art.

Ensure the success of your next traveling exhibition with a partner dedicated to the highest standards of collection care and logistics.

Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and learn how Minnesota Street Project Art Services can provide tailored solutions.