The villa has witnessed moments of glory before the fall of the Venetian Republic, the last Doge being Ludovico Manin, it subsequently became Napoleon's headquarters. It was here that the "Treaty of Campoformido" was signed, which saw the centuries-old power of Venice finally come to an end (17th October 1797). Villa Manin historical park  is considered the most important of the whole Region.

From 2004 Villa Manin hosts the Centre for Contemporary Art, a wide exploration on the contemporary art explained in its various aspects. Thanks to accords with the principal contemporary art museums of the world, the Centre for Contemporary Art boasts of masterpieces of the international collections and exibitions of to the most important contemporary artists. The Estate includes also the historical armoury and a collection of aged carriages belonging to the Civic Museums of Udine. Every year Villa Manin hosts several tourist and cultural events. The conferences room can host 170 persons and it is to disposition for conferences and meetings.