Seri Melaka used to be the official residence and office of the then Dutch's Governor of Melaka in the 17th century. During the British administration, the building continued to serve its purpose, even after the country's independence. In September 1996, the official residence and office of His Excellency Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) shifted from Bukit St. Paul to Istana Melaka at Ayer Keroh, Melaka.

Exhibits in the museum include the Functions of TYT Institutions as the highest authority of the State, brief history of the sultanate, institution of State's Governors as well as TYT's Role and Institutions. It also features the role and functions of the Chief Minister.

Emphasis is given to Governors/Tuan Yang Terutama (post independence) that have served Melaka, i.e. beginning with Tun Leong Yew Koh (First Governor), Tun Haji Abdul Malek bin Haji Yusuf (Second Governor), Tun Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Majid (Third Governor), Tun Syed Zahiruddin bin Syed Hassan (Fourth Governor) and Tun Syed Ahmad Al-Haj bin Syed Mahmud Shahabudin (Fifth and current TYT) by showcasing their personal collections.

Exhibits in the museum were arranged in such a way to maintain an original functions of the building. It also showcases TYT's contributions towards the state's development such as industrialization, agriculture, tourism, administration, religion, etc.