The CROWN project follows an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from history and art history, conservation, and natural sciences, with a focus on the so-called Imperial Crown. This regalia, currently housed in Vienna, was part of the imperial regalia of the Holy Roman Empire (German Nation). It is believed to have been made no earlier than 960 for Otto I or no later than 1150 for Conrad III, and it remained in use until the last coronation in 1792. This long period of use resulted in numerous losses, additions, damages, and repairs to the crown.

The project investigates the material compositions, manufacturing techniques and processes, as well as later interventions, repairs, and modifications made to the Imperial Crown. Additionally, stylistically similar objects from the same period will be analyzed for comparative purposes. The goal of these investigations is to gain a better understanding of the creation and the changes the crown has undergone over time.