Every year in March, Maastricht becomes the centre of one of the most important art fairs in the world: TEFAF. Galleries, collectors and art enthusiasts from across the globe come together to view and trade exceptional works of art.

What many visitors do not see, however, is the enormous logistical operation that takes place behind the scenes. Behind every stand and every artwork lies a carefully organised process. For Kortmann Art Packers & Shippers, TEFAF is a time of year when everything comes together: planning, transport, installation, and ultimately the careful dismantling and return of the artworks.

The preparation

The logistical preparations for an event like TEFAF often begin months in advance. Artworks need to be collected from galleries, collectors and storage facilities, sometimes in different countries. Each object has its own specific requirements when it comes to packing, transportation and handling.

Before an artwork is transported, careful consideration is given to the best way to pack and move it. Some works require custom-made crates. Planning also plays a crucial role: everything must arrive at the fair location at exactly the right time.

For our planners and art handlers, this means a period of intensive preparation, during which transport schedules are organised, routes are planned and every logistical detail is carefully coordinated.

Installation on the fair floor

Once the artworks arrive in Maastricht, the next important phase begins: installation on the fair floor. During these days we work closely with the galleries to ensure that each artwork is unpacked safely and positioned correctly.

From paintings and sculptures to antiques and design pieces, every object is handled with the utmost care. Installing artworks requires precision and experience. Not only must a work be placed safely, but presentation also plays an important role. The position, height and stability of each artwork are therefore carefully checked.

During this phase, our art handlers often work long days to ensure that everything is ready before the fair opens its doors.

A meeting place for the international art world

TEFAF attracts more than collectors and art lovers to Maastricht. The fair also welcomes many museum professionals from around the world. Curators, conservators and museum directors visit the fair to view artworks, conduct research and maintain relationships with international galleries.

For museums, TEFAF is an important place to discover exceptional works. It is not uncommon for museums to acquire artworks during the fair. As a result, a piece that is still displayed on a gallery stand during the event may soon become part of a public collection somewhere in the world.

After the fair, it starts again

When TEFAF closes its doors, another intensive period begins for Kortmann. Artworks are carefully packed again and prepared for their next destination.

Some works return to the gallery or collector they originally came from. Others continue their journey to a new owner, a museum or another exhibition somewhere in the world.

In this phase as well, safety remains the top priority. Artworks are inspected once more, packed securely and transported under the appropriate conditions. What marks the end of the fair for visitors often signals the beginning of a new logistical operation for us.

Teamwork behind the scenes

Each year, TEFAF is a special moment for the entire Kortmann team. From planners and drivers to art handlers and project coordinators, everyone plays a role in ensuring that this international art logistics operation runs smoothly.

Once all artworks have safely reached their destinations again, we look back on an intense but rewarding period in which craftsmanship, collaboration and precision come together.

TEFAF Maastricht – 14–19 March 2026