Abstract: This invention concerns itself with and discloses a system for protecting articles and works of value such as, without limitation, works of art. Upon the occurrence of predetermined and preselected conditions, such as the occurrence of a fire, this system will permit and causes a fireproof, flameproof, smokeproof and waterproof curtain to move and descend about the article to be protected. In addition, the article and the entire protective covering just described, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, is permitted and is caused to descend into a protective container until the emergency condition has passed, whereupon the entire structure may be mounted as it was originally.