Stadthuys (City Hall), Melaka

The Stadthuys is the historic City Hall in Malacca. Located in Dutch Square, Stadthuys is one of the most distinctive buildings in the city. It is noted for its red-painted exterior and the accompanying Red Clock Tower added in the 19th century.

The building is thought to be the oldest Dutch building in Southeast Asia that is still standing. Designed by British naval engineer and architect Sir Maurice Alexander Cameron, in the Dutch Colonial architectural style, construction was completed in 1660 on the ruins of the old fortress.

Occupying forces used the Stadthuys for more than 300 years. It was the center of government for the Dutch, British, Japanese and Malaysian until 1980 when it was converted into the History and Ethnography Museum.

Statues with flags recognizing occupying forces greet visitors at the museum. They can then see traditional costumes and artifacts like porcelain, weaponry, works of art, and models depicting the ships that carried occupying forces through the Strait of Malacca.