It was set up in 1974 as the Ministry for Cultural Assets and Environments (Italian: Ministero per i Beni Culturali ed Ambientali) by the Moro IV Cabinet through the decree read on 14 December 1974, n. 657, converted (with changes) from the law of 29 January 1975, n° 5.

The new ministry (defined as per i beni culturali — that is for cultural assets, showing the wish to create a mainly technical organ) largely has the remit and functions previously under the Ministry of Public Education (specifically its Antiquity and Fine Arts, and Academies and Libraries, sections).

The ministry is principally concerned with culture, the protection and preservation of artistic sites and property, landscape, and tourism (Decree 181/2006).

The eight General Directorates continue to be technically supported by high level scientific bodies (Central Institutes).

Istituti Centrali (Central Institutes): ICR and OPD are global leader in the field of art restoration and provides teaching as Italian state conservation schools For more on the organization of the Ministry, see Ministry of Culture - Organization The current minister is Alessandro Giuli, appointed on 6 September 2024 by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.