Last-Minute Rescue at Art Basel Miami

From Empty Crate to VIP-Ready in 48 Hour

Context

For a French gallery exhibiting at a major art fair in Miami (Art Basel), we were responsible for shipping and installing a large, custom mirror on a metal structure. The schedule was extremely tight, with fixed installation slots and a VIP opening.

Challenge

During the first installation window, we opened the crate and discovered that the gallery had accidentally sent us an empty crate. The artwork itself was still in France. The gallery risked losing its main piece for the fair and severely damaging its reputation.

Our approach

We immediately switched into emergency mode:

• Organized an express last-minute shipment of the correct crate from France to Miami

• Coordinated 24/7 handling and customs clearance to shave off every possible hour of delay

• Maintained constant communication with the gallery and the fair’s logistics team to secure a new access window for installation

• Once the piece arrived, our team handled the white-glove installation of the large mirror on its metal structure, on site, under intense time pressure

Result

The mirror was delivered and installed just two hours before the VIP opening.

What could have been a disaster (an empty crate on day one) became a perfectly installed, spectacular centerpiece ready in time for the most important collectors and guests.

This project shows one of our key strengths: during major art fairs, we are organized to work 24/7, solve problems in real time, and protect our clients.

citation

client + entreprise