What is a 128-year-old fictional private detective doing in Denver, Colorado? Well, my dear readers, the game’s afoot at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and you’re invited solve the case.
Think this exhibit is just for kids? Think again. The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes encourages parents to review this page before bringing their children. Remember, the series of Holmes books, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, were written for adults and the exhibit, while suitable for some children, may not be suitable for all ages.
We had a great time at this exhibit – better than I expected. Visitors start in a room dedicated to the literary history of Sherlock Holmes and then move on to the real fun stuff. In the second room we picked up a notebook, “a detective’s most important tool,” and we began to work our way towards solving the case.
As we completed each section in the first room, ballistics, optics, etc. we stamped our notebook and moved on. This area was a sort of learning ground that would hopefully turn us into good detectives. Next we entered 221B Baker Street and were instructed by our handy notebook to find 13 items. I found several bells, but never could locate the Bell Pull, so if someone can enlighten me as to where it is, I’d be most grateful.
It was while investigating Baker Street that I really got into this exhibit. I became obsessed with finding all the items on the list as did everyone around me. I’ve never seen so many adults so serious about finding Mr. Baker’s Hat and the Persian Slipper.
The next room is where the honest-to-goodness detective work starts. I won’t give it all away, but let’s just say that the clues such as blood stains and indentations in the sand, led us to believe that a horrific crime had taken place, maybe even a murder.
And I’m here to tell you that solving the case at The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is not elementary my dear reader, it’s actually quite complex.
We spent about two hours of time at the museum. In addition to Sherlock we also toured The Power of Poison , which runs through January 10.
The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes will be at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science through January 31, 2016. See if you’ve got what it takes to solve the case.
Thank you to the DMNS for providing me with a media pass and photo privileges at this exhibition.
