Photoacoustic imaging technology combines the high contrast and high resolution properties of optics and the high penetration depth property of acoustics. It has developed into a distinctive and advantageous non-destructive inspection and imaging technology that uses ultrasonic signals generated by the photoacoustic effect to resolve depth information, thus locating objects in a three-dimensional space. In the field of cultural heritage conservation, materials used to make cultural artifacts have different optical absorption properties; thus, ultrasonic signals with different amplitudes and frequencies are generated and radiated outward when they are subjected to laser light excitation. The characteristics of ultrasonic signals can reveal the material type and detect surface defects; hence, photoacoustic imaging technology can be applied in cultural heritage conservation. This paper provides an overview of existing photoacoustic imaging technologies, describes their current developments and limitations for cultural heritage conservation, and summarizes the future prospects of the technology for these applications.