The Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud Is Undergoing Renewal

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud is one of Germany's most renowned art museums. For a comprehensive refurbishment of the building, the entire collection had to be relocated to an off-site storage facility. A task that required meticulous planning, documentation and care.

hasenkamp was responsible for packing, transporting and securely storing the artworks. In total, around 2,000 paintings and 65,000 graphic works were prepared for relocation and safe storage throughout the renovation period.

Handling irreplaceable works of art requires far more than conventional logistics expertise. Each object was inspected, documented and individually prepared for transportation in close collaboration with the museum's specialists. Conservators, registrars and hasenkamp's art logistics experts worked hand in hand to develop the appropriate handling and packing solution for every single artwork.

Before packing, many artworks underwent cleaning and conservation checks. Each piece was then assigned a unique barcode to ensure full traceability throughout the entire process.

For the storage phase, hasenkamp developed tailor-made transport and storage solutions. The artworks were housed in specially manufactured transport crates designed to protect them from vibration, dust and light exposure. Each solution was adapted to the individual requirements of the respective object.

The combination of craftsmanship, decades of experience in art handling and specially engineered packing systems ensured that even the most delicate works could be safely moved.

Among the project's greatest challenges was the movement of large-scale masterpieces. One example was Peter Paul Rubens' monumental painting Juno and Argus. Due to its size and weight, the artwork could not be transported inside its crate via the museum elevator. Instead, a team of six experienced art handlers carefully moved the painting unsecured to the ground floor before completing the packing process.

Challenges like these demonstrate that successful art logistics rely not only on specialized equipment but also on experience, teamwork and precisely coordinated procedures.

Over several weeks, the museum and hasenkamp teams worked side by side. Together, they pursued a common goal: safeguarding artworks of exceptional cultural significance for future generations.

The project reached an emotional milestone when the final artwork left the museum. With the removal of the Rembrandt self-portrait, the preparation phase for the renovation came to an end. The collection was safely packed, documented and ready to return once the museum reopens.

Following transportation, the artworks were placed in certified high-security storage facilities. These facilities provide carefully controlled climate conditions and comprehensive security measures, ensuring ideal long-term preservation of sensitive cultural assets.

For security reasons, the exact storage location remains confidential.

Until the museum reopens, the collection will remain safely protected before ultimately returning to its newly renovated galleries.