Kota Tinggi was once the main administration centre for the Melaka Sultanate line in the 16th century. Built in 1997 and opened to the public in 2002, the Kota Tinggi details the settlement of each museum empire of Melaka, its rule by Johor and how conflicts between Portuguese, Achehnese and other super powers took place here in the span of hundreds of years.

The Melaka Sultanate line of descendents also ended in Kota Tinggi when the last ruler, Sultan Mahmud Shah was assassinated by his own admiral, Megat Seri Rama (aka Laksamana Bentan). This historical period is known as "Sultan Mangkat Dijulang".

Famed writer Tun Sri Lanang in the annals of "Sejarah Melayu" (Malay History). 

A walk through the two-storey building will bring you past a collection of rare exhibits from the 19th century to the present, including centuries-old porcelain, huge canvas paintings, ancient musical instruments and weapons.