The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes

Get ready Sherlock fans...today Kim Hammond takes us through the Sherlock Holmes Exhibit in Columbus, Ohio.


One of my favorite detectives of all time is Sherlock Holmes. I love reading about him and watching him in action, whether it be a Jeremy Brett movie, BBC’s Sherlock or CBS’ Elementary.

I was very excited to learn of the International Exhibition just a quick two hours from my house, in Columbus, Ohio. The Exhibition will tour 10 cities in North America before it tours internationally, so I consider myself very lucky to have been able to attend.

It’s an interactive exhibit that combines science with history and culture to bring to life the stories of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It features original manuscripts and period artifacts, investigative tools influenced and used by Sherlock Holmes, and interactive crime-solving opportunities. Visitors will be their own Sherlock to solve a crime.

This is what Conan Doyle’s estate has to say about the exhibit:

"The Conan Doyle Estate can't remember an undertaking as involved and exciting as this one," says the Estate's U.S. representative Jon Lellenberg: "Museum visitors will experience the scientific and literary ideas that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to create Sherlock Holmes, and Holmes' methods for investigating and solving crimes as the world's first consulting detective, and they will visit their two worlds, including the very rooms in which all this took place."

What Columbus’ COSI has to say:

"COSI is excited to be the second host of this one-of-a-kind exhibition building on the compelling deductive reasoning of the favorite character, Sherlock Holmes," said David Chesebrough, Ed.D, president and CEO of COSI. "Guests will be able to immerse themselves into the world of Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street and solve an apparent crime using the deductive thinking Holmes is known for."

The galleries in the exhibition include:

Dr. Conan Doyle's Study – Conan Doyle was a physician who was a medical student at Edinburgh University and then an apprentice at Royal Surgeons' Hall. He moved to London in the early 1890s and became a full-time author. Visitors will get to see an original manuscript, letters, and illustrations.

Science and History – Visitors will participate in experiments as if they were in the 1890s . You get to analyse blood spatter and plants.

Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street – Visitors will see the sitting room at 221B Baker Street. 

Become a Detective – Visitors will receive a book full of clues that they will use to solve a murder written exclusively for this exhibition by Daniel Stashower, the acclaimed writer and award-winning Conan Doyle biographer

Culture of Sherlock –the exhibition's final gallery displays items ranging from vintage Sherlock Holmes-themed card games, comics, and movie and television show props and costumes. 

I went with my friend Trina and the exhibit turned into a friendly competition to see who could solve the murder first. 

Unfortunately, no photography was permitted. However, there was a fabulous gift shop at the end and I purchased a book on the exhibit so that I would have some photos.

If you have a chance to see this exhibit I recommend doing so. It was very enjoyable and we’re glad that we had the opportunity.