The Stadthuys which means the municipal town hall was built by the Dutch during the 1960’s after having taken over from the Portuguese in 1641.

It was built in 4 stories on a terrace of St. Paul’s hill covering 49,200 sq. feet in area. It had been the Governor’s residence until as early as the 18th century. It also was the Dutch Administrative Centre until 1824. Why, even the British made this building their administrative centre too. The Statdhuys continued to be the State Governing Centre until the end of 1979. The original color of this building was white. It was changed to red during the 1820’s and then came to be known as ‘The Red Building’ to date.

Although had been renovated many times during the regime of British, the artistic design of the Dutch of the thick brick walls and big windows and doors has been mantained. Just beneath the floors a superb drainage system that flows back into the Malacca’s river had been constructed. In the Governor’s office, there is a hand carved flowerpot made from real hard wood. A huge bread toaster is situated at the back of the building proved that many visitors who flocked there. The Governor’s bedroom found on the top most floors is very spacious and decorated with Chinese Mythology arts. There is also prison further down the vicinity.

Conservation works of the Stadthuys were made in 1985 by the Public Works Department and took almost 4 years to complete. Strange components and antiques were found during this period of renovation including wells built of sea stones. In the exterior another well was also discovered beneath the building. It is believed that both these wells were dug for use during the Portuguese occupation. Another well built by the Dutch and also building site adjacent to the Stadthuys was also found behind the building. A pool and a pathway were found when demolition works were undertaken against new extension to building. Whatever was unearthed during this renovation period has been displayed in the State Museum for public.