It was created by presidential decree in 1985 with the explicit understanding of the importance of the role of culture in the construction of a national identity and moreover, as an important economic sector in the country, as a generator of both jobs and income for its citizens.

The ministry counts seven institutions that are closely tied to its work, including: the Institutions of Historical and National Artistic Heritage - Iphan, The Brazilian Institute of Museums - Ibram, the National Cinema Agency - Ancine, The Rui Barbosa House Foundation - FCRB, the Cultural Palmares Foundation - FCP, the National Foundation of Arts - Funarte, and the National Library Foundation - FBN.