Watch Christie's Specialists Install the Contemporary New York Exhibition

Why It Matters

The blend of 3D planning and hands‑on expertise showcases Christie's logistical leadership, boosting exhibition quality and buyer trust in the art market.

Key Takeaways

• Christie's uses 3D renderings to plan exhibition installations.
• Art handlers adjust layouts on-site, collaborating beyond virtual plans.
• Catalogers produce detailed condition reports for each artwork.
• Installation week involves 10,000 steps daily, highlighting physical demand.
• Contemporary New York opens Feb 21-25 at Rockefeller Center.

Summary

Christie's specialists Rachel Ing and Shireen Also lead the installation of the Contemporary New York exhibition at the firm's public gallery in Rockefeller Center. The video walks viewers through the preparatory work that culminates in the opening on February 21.

The team begins by creating a detailed 3‑D rendering of the gallery space, which guides art handlers as they physically lay out paintings and sculptures. On‑site adjustments are common, and the process remains highly collaborative, with catalogers Olivia, Lily, Nick and Jack documenting each work's condition in exhaustive reports.

A notable detail is the physical intensity: installers logged roughly 10,000 steps per day, underscoring the labor‑intensive nature of exhibition setup. The staff describe the week as chaotic yet the most enjoyable part of the show’s rollout.

By merging digital planning tools with meticulous hands‑on execution, Christie's sets a benchmark for efficient, transparent exhibition installs, enhancing visitor experience and reinforcing buyer confidence in the condition of high‑value artworks.

Original Description

What does it really take to bring a Christie’s exhibition to life?

Ahead of our Contemporary New York sales, Rachel Ng and Shereen Al-Sawwaf take us behind the scenes of the installation process, opening Saturday, 21 February.

From building a 3D, Sims-style rendering to placing each work with our art handlers and writing condition reports, step inside the Rockefeller Center galleries before the ✨ grand unveiling. ✨

📅 Contemporary New York is on view through 25 February and free to the public. Experience iconic and moving masterpieces before they head to auction.

🔗 Can’t join us in person? Browse the works here: https://www.christies.com/en/events/contemporary-art/what-is-on?cid=EM_SM_O_YT_Inc_MSLP___P5133_ContempNY0325_InstallWeek_PWC_VID_LinkInBio