The History and Ethnography Museum — Attraction in Malacca

The Stadthuys, located in the heart of Malacca’s Dutch Square, is one of the most iconic remnants of the city’s colonial past. Built in 1650 by the Dutch, this striking red building originally served as the official residence of the Dutch governors and administrative offices. Today, it has been carefully adapted to house the History and Ethnography Museum, offering visitors a unique window into Malacca’s layered past—from the era of Malay sultanates to Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule.

As we stepped through its heavy wooden doors and into the cool interior, we were immediately transported through time. The museum’s exhibits trace the cultural and historical evolution of the region, featuring artifacts, traditional costumes, trade relics, and intricate dioramas. Each room unveils a different facet of Malacca’s rich heritage, revealing how diverse communities—Malay, Chinese, Indian, Baba Nyonya, and others—contributed to the city's distinct identity. It was both educational and deeply atmospheric, with the creaking floorboards and arched windows reminding us that we were standing inside history itself.

We spent hours exploring the museum and capturing its present-day condition through our lenses. From wide shots of the grand façade to intimate close-ups of display cases, our photographs document both the structure's enduring charm and the thoughtful curation within. For us, this visit was more than a tour—it was an opportunity to witness how a colonial relic has been respectfully transformed into a cultural archive that continues to speak to locals and...

On 25.7.1511, 2am, the Portuguese Alfonso de Albuquerque started the attack of Malacca. Founded in the beginning of the 15th century, Malacca was already a busy trading port passing goods between China and India. As a result of its ideal location, the city hosted many merchants incl. Arabians, Persians, Turks, Armenians, Burmans, Bengali, Siamese, most influential being the Muslim Guajarati's and Javanese, Hindus and Chinese. At this time as many as 84 dialects were spoken, had about 10,000 homes and an estimated population of 40,000. King Manuel I of Portugal, was interested to establish Trade with Portugal but experienced unsuccessful events before. Albuquerque who had captured Goa before was asked to take this difficult task also failed in 1509. Much better prepared they left Goa again in April 1511 for the 40 days journey to Malacca. Sultan Nina Chatu of Malacca had an Army of 20,000 man at his side and was not too impressed by merchant ships creating some trouble. Albuquerque arrived 1st July and it took some weeks of unsuccessful negotiation which eventually resulted in the attack of the city. The Portuguese where better prepared, had better equipment and protection gear, managed to conquer the land and captured the 'Bridge'. The Sultan retreated and the city was taken over. To control the area the famous Fort Formosa was constructed later. From there the Portuguese controlled Malacca for...

The History and Ethnography Museum is located in the Stadthuys Building, its location at the junction of the City Road and Church Road, Melaka, Malaysia. In front of this building, better known as the 'Dutch Square', there is the Victoria Jewel and the Tan Beng Seng Clock Tower which was built in 1886. The History Museum is located on level 2 and the Ethnografl Museum on the 1st floor of the Stadthuys Building. The Ethnographic Museum gives particular emphasis to the local life style of the various races - Malay, Chinese, Indian, Baba Nyonya, Chetti and Portuguese. An overview of wedding customs, the way of life, the equipment used, the choice of musical instruments and the form of farming is the main focus of this museum. The exhibits are a collection of periodical porcelain, various types of weapons, currency from within and abroad and various another collection during the Dutch occupation in Melaka. The History Museum is located on the first floor of Melaka's history which is a pillar of Malaysian history today from the opening of Malacca to the colonial era of Dutch, English, and Japanese until independence. Based on existing historical paintings and artifacts, visitors will appreciate Melaka's excellence from the beginning of creation, excellence enjoyed, struggle for independence and the modernity of...