Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway (Riksantikvaren) is responsible for the practical implementation of the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Act and the objectives laid down by the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) and the Ministry of the Environment.

The Directorate's task is to facilitate a sound and efficient management regime throughout the country and to ensure that all monuments and sites are given equal treatment as far as possible. Cultural heritage monuments and sites prior to 1537 and standing structures prior to 1650, are automatically protected through the Cultural Heritage Act. More recent monuments and sites must normally be protected by special Protection Orders. 1537 marks the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Reformation in Norway.

Sami monuments and sites are an exception to the rule. They are automatically protected if they are over 100 years old. Separate regulations also apply to Svalbard, under which monuments and sites prior to 1946 are automatically protected.