Renato de Albuquerque Foundation

The museum & the collection

The Albuquerque Collection of Chinese Ceramics features a historical timeline of art pieces with an emphasis on Export Porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Six centuries of craftsmanship fuelled six decades of dedication by a passionate Brazilian engineer named Renato de Albuquerque. His artistic and cultural devotion resulted in the Albuquerque Collection’s stunning anthology of almost 2600 pieces. The sophisticated artistry that you see on the surface has an even richer and more complex story to tell about global trade and cultural influences that have been unfolding for centuries.

The Albuquerque Collection is behind the creation of the Albuquerque Foundation. Its mission is to encourage reflection and research around the artistic, cultural, and historical significance of ceramic production. The foundation’s inaugural exhibition, Connections, introduces nearly 300 ceramic pieces from the Albuquerque Collection. These works illustrate the history of cultural exchange made possible through centuries of global trade.

The assignment & the challenges

Meyvaert was selected for the design, production, and installation of 18 high-specification showcases, including table cases, freestanding cases, and wall cases that would coordinate with architectural cladding supplied by other contractors. From the outset, the museum emphasized the importance of display excellence. As we share the same dedication to high standards, we were a perfect match for the project. We delivered showcases of the highest quality, tailored with an elaborate lighting and shelving system that could highlight both the intricate details and historical context of the pieces on display.

The technical specifications were clearly defined and thoroughly addressed from the beginning, effectively anticipating and resolving any technical challenges before they could arise. As with many complex installations, logistical constraints were part of the operation. The site’s restricted access—only reachable by small trucks with unloading required in the street—was taken into account during planning. Thanks to close coordination with the museum and project management team, all deliveries proceeded smoothly.

Installation was initially postponed by five weeks due to external scheduling factors. However, flexibility from all stakeholders ensured that the delay was absorbed without disruption. The project was strategically divided into two installation phases, allowing the museum team to simultaneously unpack and store the delicate ceramic works while Meyvaert completed its onsite operations.

The solutions & the result

To guarantee precision in the integration of the wall cases, Meyvaert commissioned a specialist to conduct a 3D mapping of the gallery perimeter. This ensured every showcase would be perfectly dimensioned to fit the unique architectural setting. The installed cases elegantly accommodate the lighting ambitions of the architects, ensuring a well-lit and visually cohesive presentation that draws attention to the nuances of form, motif, and glaze across centuries of ceramic technique and artistry.

The final result is a harmonious balance of aesthetic clarity and technical excellence. The showcases’ subtle integration of advanced lighting systems enhances the narrative of Connections, giving each piece a stage to tell its story.