The museum is also known as "Muzium Sejarah Dan Ethnografi" in Malay. The historical section of the museum displays the history of Malacca from its establishment in 1400 until 1957, the year Malaya gained independence.

The ethnography section of the museum portrays the lifestyle and culture of various communities and sub-communities of Melaka including the Malays, the Chinese, the Indians, the Portuguese, the Baba and Nyonya, the Chetti and Chitty communities.





Other exhibits include items used in traditional wedding ceremonies, kitchen utensils, musical instruments and collections of ancient porcelain ware, weapons, stamps and ancient currencies.



The first floor of the Historical and Ethnography Museum is devoted to the history of Melaka which in reality is the early history of Malaysia. It covers the period from the founding of Melaka to the establishment of independent Federation of Malaya. The exhibits provide a true reflection of early Melaka, its existence as a colony, the struggle for independence and the rapid development of post-independence Melaka.



Upstairs the Admiral Cheng Ho Gallery displays a collection of paintings depicting scenes from the colonial era.

One admission ticket gives access to this and all other museums in the complex: the 17th-century Governor's Museum (where the Chief Ministers of Melaka lived); the Democratic Government Museum, with informative displays on the anti-colonial movement, Independence and the Japanese Occupation; a Literature Museum focusing on Melaka's role in the development of Malaysian literature; and an Education Museum.





Free guided tours of the main museum take place at 10.30am and 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.