Stadthuys and Christ Church: Melaka's Red Square

The Stadthuys in Melaka is the bright red building at the centre of the old town, and the image most people picture when they think of Melaka (Malacca). Construction began in 1650, when the Dutch built it as the office and residence of their governor, making it one of the oldest Dutch colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Today it houses the History and Ethnography Museum.

Together with Christ Church, a red clock tower and a marble fountain, it forms Dutch Square, also known as Red Square, the centre of Melaka’s UNESCO-listed heritage zone.

Inside the Stadthuys Melaka museum

The museum traces Melaka’s story from the founding of the sultanate through Portuguese, Dutch and British rule to independence. Displays include traditional costumes, weapons, ceramics and household objects, and reconstructed rooms showing how the Dutch administrators lived. The building itself is part of the appeal: thick walls, heavy timber doors, louvred windows and a courtyard at the back.

One ticket covers several museums in the complex, including the History, Ethnography, Literature and Education museums, so allow at least an hour.

Tickets and opening hours

At the time of writing, the combined ticket from Perbadanan Muzium Melaka (PERZIM) costs RM20 for international adults and RM10 for children, with Malaysians paying RM10 and RM5. The museums open from 9am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry at 4.30pm, and are closed on Mondays. Check the latest details on the PERZIM website.

Christ Church and Dutch Square

Next to the Stadthuys stands Christ Church, built by the Dutch in the mid-18th century and still used for Anglican services. Its plain red facade hides a simple interior with long wooden ceiling beams and old tombstones set into the floor. It is free to look in when open; dress modestly and keep quiet during services.

The red clock tower in the square is named after Tan Beng Swee, a wealthy Baba merchant, and was given by his family, and the fountain was built to mark Queen Victoria’s reign. Brightly decorated trishaws, many playing loud music and covered in cartoon characters, wait around the square for passengers.

Getting there and best time

Dutch Square is in the historic centre, across the bridge from Jonker Street and a short walk from A Famosa. From Melaka Sentral bus terminal, take a town bus or a Grab of around 15 to 20 minutes.

Arrive at 9am for photos of the square without crowds and before the heat builds. Weekends and school holidays are busy from mid-morning.

How it fits into your trip

Combine the Stadthuys with St Paul’s Hill and A Famosa for a two to three-hour walk, then cross to Jonker Street for lunch. Our Melaka City guide and Melaka state page have more, and the Malaysia 7-day itinerary shows how to fit Melaka into a first trip.