Historical and Ethnography Museum
Located within the Stadhuys in Malacca is the Historical and Ethnography Museum. The Historical and Ethnography Museum displays a brief history of Malacca showcasing the earlier times of the Malay Sultanate to a time when Malacca was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and the Japanese. Each of these eras are given their own areas within the building (Stadhuys) showcasing items brought over and used by the ruling government then such as weapons, clothing, wares, machinery, cabinets, statues, etc.
A showcase of some of the clothing styles worn by the people of Malacca.
The Ethnography section showcases the different ways of life of the communities that call Malacca home. These communities are the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Baba and Nyonya, Portuguese, Chetti and Chitty. On display the clothing styles that distinguish the different communities (not daily wear but clothing that these communities are recognized for).
Furniture found in the homes of the Baba and Nyonya.
Apart from clothing or fashion; this section also showcases the daily lives of the communities here back in the day. Displays here include homes, shops, places of work, where they hangout, etc. that gives visitors a feel how it was like to live back in those times. Also on display are the types of money (type of currency), stamps, etc. used back then.
Left: The bridal bed of the Baba and Nyonya. Middle: The bridal chairs of the Baba and Nyonya. Right: a diorama of a Portuguese wedding.
Additional Information
The Historical and Ethnography Museum is located in the Stadhuys. To visit the Historical and Ethnography Museum visitors will have to purchase a ticket at a small fee. The ticket covers 5 museums and a gallery that are located at the Stadhuys.
Address: Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
Opens daily from 9am to 5.30pm
Contact: +606 333 33333 (PERZIM or Malacca Museum Corporation)
Entrance Fees at time of writing
(do call before your visit as prices may change)
Adults: RM5.00 (Malaysian Citizens With MyKad) / RM10.00 (Without MyKad)
Children (age 7 to 12): RM2.00 (Malaysian Citizens With MyKad) / RM4.00 (Without MyKad)
Children below age 7: Free entrance
Google Maps to Stadhuys where the Historical and Ethnography Museum is located.
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One of the dying attractions in Malacca is the bullock cart ride. They are being overtaken by other rides such as the trishaws with their fancy lighting and decor. But you can still experience this unique and traditional form of transportation if you know where to find them.
The Malacca Maritime Museum tells of the illustrious past of Malacca and how the sea helped her flourish as well as put her through war.
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