The Museum of Literature is located at a building near the Stadhuys that used to house the Melaka State Development Corporation.

The museums contains material pertaining to written historical records of Melaka, such as the 'Malay Annals', 'Hikayat Hang Tuah', 'Hukum Kanun Melaka' (Punishment Under Canon Law), the writings of Munsyi Abdullah and local Malay folklore. The museum also traces the growth of literature in Melaka from the period of the Melaka Sultanate to the contemporary literary scene.

The exhibits also include graphic representations in the form of paintings based on events described in the Malay Annals and the execution of penalties as provided under the 'Hukum Kanun Melaka and copies of original handwritten historical manuscripts from many parts of the world.

Traditional literary genres such as 'pantun', 'gurindam', 'nazam', and puisi (poetry) are also given due recognition. The gallery honouring national and local writers is very popular among visitors.

Objective

To keep and preserve literary works from the earliest times to the present for posterity, promote the development of literature, and honour Malay writers and poets of note by featuring them in museum displays and exhibitions.