Superyachts often represent the pinnacle of luxury. Adding an art collection enhances their aesthetic and status, while also ensuring the yacht reflects the owner's personal style. However, while there can be tax benefits, displaying art on yachts is not without risk. Sensible planning is crucial to protect the artworks, their owners and also crew members.
In this guide, Lavinia de Nazelle from Mishcon de Reya's Art Law and Luxury Assets department outlines some of the key factors to consider when displaying artworks on yachts.
Tales from the high seas
There are several examples in which art has been lost, damaged or stolen on superyachts and they act as valuable lessons for prospective collectors. Picassos seem to have been particular victims:
In 1999, Buste de Femme was stolen from the 75m "Coral Island" when it was berthed in Antibes, France, during a refurbishment. The high-profile theft prompted significant updates to yachting security. Feared lost forever, the painting was recovered in 2019 by the "art detective", Arthur Brand.
In 2015, Head of a Young Woman became the subject of a highly publicised seizure by Spanish authorities from the three-masted, 64.85m "Adix". The owner, Jaime Botín, was accused of trying to smuggle the painting out of Spain for sale, where it had been declared a national treasure and barred from export. The case resulted in a jail sentence of three years (ultimately overturned) along with a significant fine of €91.7 million. The painting remains at the Reina Sofía in Madrid.
Cruising for style
While personal taste of course should be a priority when selecting art, it is also helpful to consider the yacht's overall design and interior. Working with art advisers can significantly aid this process to create a seamless effect.
Consideration should also be given to the yacht's use: if it may be chartered, a more neutral approach may be preferred, or involve less fragile or expensive works. Digital art is a popular option and offers the possibility of variation depending on the passengers or particular events.
Keeping art shipshape
Humidity, UV lighting and temperature fluctuations affect the condition of artworks, meaning they can be vulnerable on yachts. It is important to consider positioning to minimise exposure. Movement and vibrations can be reduced by specialised mounts and frames to secure the art.
If the art includes large or heavy pieces, then consultation with the shipbuilders and designers is important for advice on practicalities such as lighting, placement and logistics and of course, safety. Think also about maintenance – both for the artworks and the yacht – and where this will take place. If the art is not easy to move, it will need coordination with logistics and storage companies. Training crews on specialist art handling and what to do in emergency situations is also advisable.
Life jackets
Insurance and legal concerns are critical. Having documentation of an artwork's ownership and provenance is best practice wherever art is being held, and even more so on a yacht that moves across jurisdictions. It is also important to establish responsibility for the management of artworks, with clear agreements and authorisations in place for maintenance, movement and securing licences.
International regulations regarding the transport and display of art must be considered, especially when crossing borders. Without the correct licences in place, there are risks of seizure. While the Head of a Young Woman case is a clear example of defying export bans, licences can also be required for objects containing protected species under CITES such as coral, ivory and certain woods.
There is also growing regulation around the import of antiquities. By way of example, from 28 June 2025, imports of cultural goods into the EU must comply with new regulations which, depending on their category, will require either an import licence or the submission of an importer statement to a new centralised electronic system.
Another legal concern is intellectual property. If artworks are being copied for display on yachts, rather than risk displaying the original (3D scanning and printing is becoming an increasingly popular option), copyright licensing should be considered, particularly if the yacht is being used for commercial rather than private purposes.
As with artworks held on land, comprehensive insurance coverage with an art specialist insurer can offer financial protection against damage, theft, and loss. Policies should cover both transit and display on the yacht. It is important that regular valuations take place to ensure coverage remains adequate.
Finally, superyachts are not immune, and often not designed to protect against, piracy threats. The Piracy Map is a useful tool in understanding locations of particular vulnerability and planning journeys to avoid such areas is a simple measure to minimise risk.
The taxman's net
Tax considerations are another important aspect. As high value and moveable objects, there are numerous examples where art has been seized, or threatened to be seized, due to unpaid taxes. When transporting art across borders, VAT liabilities can arise, especially if art is imported into the EU. Reliefs and exemptions, such as temporary importation relief, may be available to defer or reduce liabilities. If the yacht is used for commercial purposes, VAT on art purchases may be recoverable, subject to specific conditions. Consulting with tax professionals who specialise in art taxation is advisable to ensure compliance and optimisation.
Anchors away
While there are many factors to consider when displaying a collection aboard, with careful planning and advice, risks can be thoughtfully evaluated and minimised as necessary.
Mishcon de Reya's Art Law and Luxury Assets department is available to assist with any questions regarding art on yachts, from management to licences to insurance claims. Please feel free to contact Lavinia de Nazelle.