This maritime museum is a model of the Portuguese Nau During its time, the Nau served as a vessel for trading and warfare. The size and load capacity varied in accordance with the needs of the 16th and 17th century. This type of ship used triangular or rectangular sails and is structurally reinforced with concrete and panelled with ‘cengal’ and ‘resak’ wood. The museum measures 110 feet long and 22 feet wide and its interior has been modified to adapt to its purpose as a museum.

The construction of the Maritime Museum began in February 1992 and was completed in October 1993. It was officially declared open on 13 June 1994 by the then Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, This museum features the maritime history of Melaka from the four eras namely, the Golden Era of the Melaka Malay Sultanate (1400-1511), the Portuguese Era (151-1641 ), the Dutch Era (1641-1795) and the British Era (1824 1957) up to the time of dependence of Malaya in 1957.

The main focus of the museum is on Melaka's maritime history and its glory. Its exhibits include a variety of spices, a diorama, audio visuals, ancient maps, modes of ships and artifacts related to maritime Melaka. This museum serves to remind us that when we lose political power we lose everything.