Transport of a Sculpture at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

Transport, handling and installation of a sculpture at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

An Exceptional Journey for the Virgin of the Pillar at Notre-Dame de Paris

On November 15, a significant event took place: the famous Virgin of the Pillar, a 14th-century masterpiece, was returned to its place in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after years of conservation at Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church. This complex project, undertaken for the Bovis Fine Art Center of Excellence, showcased the expertise and technical skill of the Bovis Transports teams.

Tailored Handling for an Exceptional Artwork

The Virgin of the Pillar is more than a sculpture; it is a historical treasure and a symbol of resilience, having miraculously survived the tragic 2019 fire. Transporting such a significant piece requires unmatched precision and technical expertise.

The Bovis Transports teams first designed and crafted a custom-made open crate, specifically adapted to the sculpture’s dimensions and fragility. This unique container combined robustness and lightness, ensuring the artwork’s safety while facilitating its handling.

Specialized Equipment for Millimeter-Perfect Handling

Handling the Virgin of the Pillar required the use of equipment specifically designed for artworks. Every movement, from loading to transportation and reinstallation, was meticulously planned.

Our experts worked with extreme precision to avoid any physical strain on the sculpture, taking into account its weight, fragility, and historical value. This attention to detail exemplifies the rigor and professionalism of the Bovis Transports teams, accustomed to managing technical challenges of this scale.

Secure Transport to Notre-Dame Cathedral

The sculpture’s transfer from Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church to Notre-Dame Cathedral was executed with flawless coordination. Thanks to well-organized logistics and the expertise of our specialized drivers, the Virgin of the Pillar traveled safely under strictly controlled climatic and vibrational conditions.

A Delicate Reinstallation at the Heart of Notre-Dame

The final and most crucial step was reinstalling the sculpture in its original location within the cathedral. Assisted by specialized tools and detailed plans, our handlers completed this operation with jeweler-like precision. Every action was designed to respect the artwork’s integrity and symbolism, ensuring its stability and perfect positioning.

Expertise in Heavy and Delicate Handling

This project highlights Bovis Transports’ expertise in managing heavy and delicate handling operations that require advanced technical mastery and customized solutions. In collaboration with the Bovis Fine Art Center of Excellence, our teams demonstrated their ability to overcome complex challenges, combining precision and safety to handle and transport fragile, high-value objects.

This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering technical excellence to meet the highest standards.

For more information about this project
 

Photo Credits: ©Drac Île-de-France / Nicolas Thouvenin