This museum is a model of Portuguese Nau. During its time, the Nau served as a vessel for trading and warfare. The size and lading varied in accordance to the need during the 16th and 17th centuries. This type of ship used triangular or rectangular sails. The ship is structurally reinforced with concrete and panelled with cengal and resak wood. This museum measures 110 feet long and 22 feet wide. In addition, its interior has been modified to suits its purpose.

The construction of Museum Samudera was initiated in February 1992 and was completed in October 1993. It was opened officially by his Honourable, the Perdana Menteri of Malaysia, Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on June 13, 1994. This museum features the maritime history of Melaka throughout four eras, which are the Prosperous Era of the Melaka Malay Sultanate (1400-1511), the Portuguese Era (1511-1641), the Dutch Era (1641-1795) and the British Era (1824-1957) up to the independence of Malaya in 1957.

The main focus of the museums includes Melaka’s maritime history and its glory. It also includes spices, diorama, audio visual, early maps, ship’s model and artifacts relating to the Melaka Maritime. This museum serves to remind us that with the loss of political power, all else is lost.