The ArtGarden research project tests and develops an efficient, “best practices” matrix tool for the art-technical monitoring, imaging and documenting fragile historic mixed-media objects. This is used to facilitate decision making during conservation and preservation practice. The case study of ArtGarden is the conservation and preservation of the unique collection of seven Enclosed Gardens from the Mechelen City Museums. Due to the multimedia nature of the Gardens this project generates new know-how that can be applied to the conservation of other complex heritage objects in comparable conditions. The aim is to develop an international benchmarking project for conservation and preservation of original multi-media artefacts in museal environments. Promoters of the ArtGarden research project are the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA), the KU Leuven and the University of Antwerp, Axes. In January 2017, Hannah Iterbeke joined the ArtGarden research project, and has been studying the significance and preservation of historical mixed-media ensembles in the context of her PhD dissertation.