Situated in the Square, The Stadhuys with its heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges is the most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka. Built between 1641 and 1660 it is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It is a fine example of Dutch masonry and woodworking skills. Painted in salmon red, it used to be the residence of the Dutch Governors.

The Stadhuys now houses the Malacca historical, ethnographic and literature museums.

History Museum

The History Museum holds some detailed information of Melaka's history through maps, lithographs, oil paintings and photographs. Authentic historical artefacts left behind by the Portuguese and Dutch and those of the early Chinese and Malays who lived in Melaka hundreds of years ago can be seen here.

Literature Museum

This is in a separate building adjoining the main complex and contains many St. Paul's Church old scripts which highlight the Malay literature at the time when Melaka was a prominent power.