The Stadhuys is a historical structure situated in the heart of Melaka City, the administrative capital of the state of Melaka, Malaysia in a place known as the Red Square. The Stadhuys is known for its red exterior and nearby red clocktower. It was built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor.Situated at Laksamana Road, beside the Christ Church, the supposed oldest remaining Dutch historical building in the orient, is now home to the History and Ethnography Museum. Among the displays in the museum are tradisional costumes and artifacts throughout the history of Melaka, which makes it Melaka's premier museum.