In its most important role, Patrimonju, as it is referred to, is an educational organisation created to advance and enrich the understanding of Maltese cultural heritage through exhibitions which display artefacts from private collections (although institutions have also been amongst Patrimonju's lenders). and which otherwise would not be accessible to the public.

Formed in 1992, Patrimonju is about putting on major exhibitions of as high a calibre as possible, to highlight and focus the importance of culture to the social structure and status of the Maltese Nation. Hence the national identity becomes more defined.