The Stadthuys (an old Dutch word for “city hall”) is Melaka’s most iconic and striking historical landmark, immediately recognizable by its distinct terracotta-red exterior .
Built by the Dutch in 1650, it is reputed to be the oldest surviving Dutch colonial building in the East. It served as the official residence of the Dutch Governor and the administrative centre for the Dutch, and later, the British governments for over 300 years.
Architectural & Cultural Significance
The massive structure showcases classic Dutch colonial architecture, featuring huge walls, substantial solid doors, and louvered windows adapted for the tropical climate. It sits at the heart of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site in what is now famously known as Dutch Square or the Red Square, alongside the equally red Christ Church and the Red Clock Tower. Today, The Stadthuys has been converted into a museum complex, primarily housing the History and Ethnography Museum, which offers rich insights into Melaka’s layered past under the rule of the Malay Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Its prominence makes it a central starting point for any historical tour of the city.
