On Loan: How The Met's Artworks Travel Around the World

Berlinghiero (Italian, active by 1228–died by 1236). Madonna and Child, 13th century. Tempera on wood, gold ground; Overall 31 5/8 x 21 1/8 in. (80.3 x 53.7 cm); painted surface 30 x 19 1/2 in. (76.2 x 49.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Irma N. Straus, 1960 (60.173)

«It's no mystery that The Met collection travels all around the world. But how does it get to where it's going? »

Last month, the Museum received a letter from a student in California tasked with an exciting school assignment: create a simulated art exhibit at his school's fictional art museum. He was interested in borrowing Berlinghiero's Madonna and Child, an exceptionally beautiful and important painting from Italy. Addressed to Jacob Wrey Mould, who collaborated on the design of The Met's original facade in the late 1800s, the student's letter asked great questions about how museums loan art. Though Mr. Mould is no longer around to answer (he passed away over 130 years ago, in 1886), I sent the student this informative response:

Dear Student,



Thank you so much for your interest in our picture! It has not been lent in many years. In response to your questions, I have the following information:



For how long can they be loaned from The Met?



Most special exhibitions last three to four months, plus two weeks to cover transit and installation.



Does The Metropolitan get a share of the profits from the exhibition or do you charge a flat fee for the use of each painting?



Our mission is to make artwork available to all qualified borrowers. We do not charge a fee, just the costs associated with the loan. These include any special conservation, framing, crating, shipping, and courier costs.



How do you prepare the art for moving and how do you transport it?



We have a team here who build all the crates we send out on loan and pack/unpack all loans. Our Chief Packer has looked at the dimensions of the framed picture: 31-5/8" high, 21-1/8"; wide, and 4" deep. Your crate size is determined by adding 8" to all sides of the framed dimensions.



Depending on the size and weight of the object and on the distance to its destination, the Registrar decides how to best ship the work—by plane, truck, or special van, for example.



Do you need to approve the design and location of the exhibition?



When you write to us asking for a loan, we will ask you for a current General Facilities Report. This contains details about the construction of your building, your security system, your climate controls, your fire prevention methods, the number of your staff and their qualifications, the size of your elevators, and other information we need to decide if you are a borrower who can adequately handle and safeguard our loan.



We are so pleased to participate in your project. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any more information.



All best,



Jacob Wrey Mould