The Historical and Ethnography Museum is located at the Stadhuys at the junction of Jalan Kota and Jalan Gereja, Melaka. In front of the building, in an area known as Dutch Square, is the Victoria Water Fountain and the Tan Beng Seng Clock Tower built in the year 1886. The Historical and Ethnography Museum is on the second floor of the Stadhuys building.

The museum portrays the lifestyle of the different communities and sub-communities that make up the population of Melaka - the Malays, the Chinese, the Indians, the Portuguese, the Baba and Nyonya, the Chetti and Chitty communities.

Among the exhibits on display are items used in traditional wedding ceremonies, kitchen utensils, musical instruments and collections of ancient porcelain ware. There are also collections of ancient weapons, stamps and various currencies.

The first floor of the Historical and Ethnography Museum is devoted to the history of Melaka which in reality is the early history of Malaysia. It covers the period from the founding of Melaka to the establishment of independent Federation of Malaya. The exhibits provide a true reflection of early Melaka, its existence as a colony, the struggle for independence and the rapid development of post-independence Melaka.

Objective

The Historical section of the museum is devoted to the history of Melaka from its establishment in 1400 to 1957, the year it gained independence.

The Ethnography section of the museum portrays the lifestyle and culture of the various communities and sub-communities that make up the multi-racial society of Melaka.