Behind the Scenes in Montreal - The Phoebus Foundation

At the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes over the past few weeks in preparation for the upcoming exhibition Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools, which opens on 8 June 2024. A particularly fascinating aspect of the preparation was the journey undertaken by the artworks, as well as the setup of the exhibition space itself. With dedication and precision, every effort was made to ensure that each artwork would be optimally displayed, allowing the public to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Exhibition hall at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts during the installation of Saints Sinners Lovers and Fools with columns and transport crates

The artworks from The Phoebus Foundation’s collection have once again crossed the Atlantic Ocean, this time to reach their destination in Montreal, following last year’s stops in Denver and Dallas. In The Phoebus Foundation’s restoration workshop and storage facility, the loaned pieces were meticulously handled and packed in the safest possible manner to ensure they would arrive at the museum without any damage. In total, 130 artworks traveled by plane to Canada, requiring careful coordination and planning for the transport!

Seventeenth-century sculpture of a standing male figure with flowing drapery in the conservation studio of The Phoebus Foundation
Seventeenth-century terracotta sculpture of a standing male figure with expressive drapery, photographed during examination in a museum studio

Upon arrival at the prestigious Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, after a long journey, the installation of the artworks could begin. Collaborative teams from the museum and The Phoebus Foundation carefully unpacked each piece, followed by a thorough condition check. Although the artworks were packed in airtight and shock-resistant crates, transport is never without risk.

Under the watchful eyes of the restorers and coordinators from both the museum and The Phoebus Foundation, the artworks were carefully installed in their designated places. It is always a significant challenge for curators and scenographers to position the pieces perfectly, ensuring they fit both conceptually and aesthetically within the exhibition space. After a successful installation, the final scenographic adjustments were made, including lighting, signage, and interactive elements.

Conservators examining framed paintings on mobile storage racks in a museum gallery, during behind-the-scenes preparation for an exhibition
Conservators examining a large framed painting in a museum gallery, during preparatory work for an exhibition

Behind every exhibition is a team of curators, art handlers, technicians and other specialists working together to bring that vision to life.

Team moving a monumental painting through a grand museum hall with marble staircase, during exhibition installation
Conservators and restorers examine a historic globe during the installation of an exhibition in a museum gallery.

Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools runs from 8 June to 20 October 2024. For more information and tickets, visit www.mbam.qc.ca.