Leveraging Information Systems for the Conservation of the Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden Artistic Legacy

Abstract. This paper presents a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based digital framework developed to support the long-term conservation of the Tarot Garden (Il Giardino dei Tarocchi), a monumental sculpture garden in Italy created by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. While GIS is widely recognized as a powerful tool for organizing and analyzing heritage data, this paper emphasizes that its complexity can limit its accessibility and effectiveness in conservation planning. To address this, the project prioritized stakeholder usability, data interoperability, and capacity building. The work was conducted by the Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) in collaboration with the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), the Niki Charitable Art Foundation, and the Tarot Garden Foundation, under the GCI’s Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative (ModCon). The initiative produced a suite of digital assets – including ortho-rectified images, measured drawings, and a photographic record portfolio – integrated into a GIS platform. Developed through an interdisciplinary approach involving conservators, documentation specialists, and site stakeholders, the system supports condition monitoring, comparative analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. By embedding digital tools into conservation workflows and training local staff in their use, the project fosters sustainable stewardship and helps preserve both the tangible and intangible heritage of the Tarot Garden.