It is the main symbol of the city, dedicated to the people who died during the Battle of Surabaya on 10 November 1945.

The groundbreaking was led by Sukarno, the first Indonesian President, accompanied by Surabaya Mayor, Doel Arnowo on 10 November 1951.

It was officially opened one year later, also by Sukarno, on 10 November 1952 witnessed by Surabaya Mayor, R. Moestadjab Soemowidigdo.

The building consists of 2 floors, with exhibitions symbolizing the spirit of the Surabaya people's struggle.

The museum contains reproductions of documentary photographs, and some dioramas present eight events that happened around the 10 November 1945 clashes.