The organisation manages a significant proportion of the Island’s physical heritage assets including over 3,000 acres of coastline and landscape.

It holds property, archives, artwork, library and museum collections in trust for the Manx nation.

Manx National Heritage is a charitable trust, and a registered charity created by statute as (and still formally known as) the Manx Museum and National Trust.

Manx National Heritage's role is to lead the Isle of Man's community in recognising, understanding, valuing and promoting its cultural heritage and identity to a worldwide audience.

It is a designated body[further explanation needed] of the Isle of Man Government, linked via the Department of Economic Development.