Sherlock Holmes has 221 B Baker St. address are enjoying renewed worldwide popularity in TV, film and now an imaginative exhibit, “The International Exhibit of Sherlock Holmes,” which arrives Oct. 23 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Readers will be familiar with the stories developed more than a century ago by Arthur Conan Doyle, a doctor-turned-author. His popular books about Sherlock Holmes combined science with crime-solving methods of his time. Keen observation, testing and deduction are still key to crime-solving, although the tools may have evolved.
Doyle's books were set in the Victorian society of Holmes' contemporaries and some of Sherlock's methods are valid today. He influenced the development of techniques for solving real mysteries.
The exhibit includes elaborate stage sets, exhibits in Victorian style, hands-on equipment, costumes and props that should appeal to the many dedicated Sherlock fans, as well as to families with curious kids. (We hope those children will discover the very readable books as well. While written for adults, with sometimes complex plots, they are well-crafted, entertaining reading for anyone 10 and older.)
A visit to another world always stretches the imagination.
Visitors will observe a crime scene in a Victorian home and analyze evidence. Experiments will be available about ballistics, forensics and other techniques used today and one will see historic manuscripts, illustrations, letters and forensic specimens that inspired Doyle to create Sherlock. Holmes' funny-looking invention for checking footprints is among the exhibits.
The museum has a cast of historical re-enactors who will appear in costume and become part of the story.
There will also be an exhibit of props and costumes from the film “Sherlock Holmes” and from TV shows: “Elementary!” and “Sherlock.”
This exhibit was created by Exhibits Development Group and Geoffrey M. Curley + Associates in collaboration with the Conan Doyle Estate Ltd., the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Museum of London.
If you go:
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver. Timed tickets for this exhibit cost $23.95 adult, $19.95 senior, $17.95 junior/student. Museum members receive a discount on admission. Advance reservations are recommended. Dmns.org or 303-370-6000.
