Do you love a good mystery?
The International Exhibit of Sherlock Holmes at the South Carolina State Museum offers just that. The family-friendly, multi-media exhibit is a grand experience.
Visitors learn about several historical authors and forensic investigation. The exhibit provides details about the origin of the modern mystery novel, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself, and Sherlock Holmes.
There are over 100 objects and artifacts in the exhibit.
These items range from original manuscripts and photographs to human remains with wounds of interest for those interested in forensic science.
The historical components and film and television props set the stage for the interactive portions of the exhibit.
From the ticket counter where visitors receive their detective notebook souvenir, visitors venture through a normal museum exhibit and then back in time to Victorian England. There is where the Sherlock Holmes exhibit shines.
The hands-on, interactive stations start by teaching visitors about different sciences involved in solving crimes. Then visitors cross a threshold and are dispatched to solve a mystery.
From the faithful recreation of Holmes’ 221B sitting room to the phonograph recording of the detective, himself introducing the case, the exhibit was a treat.
Each hands-on station provided background, and then an interactive activity for visitors of all ages to enjoy as they attempt to solve the mystery better than Scotland Yard.
Jared Glover says the museum gets around 160,000 visitors each year to see the fascinating exhibits produced by their in house staff and curators. Thousands of visitors come to see specialty traveling exhibits like the Sherlock Holmes exhibit. The traveling exhibits vary in length depending on how long they are available. If there’s sufficient community interest to extend the length of an exhibit they make efforts to, but if the exhibit is booked to go to another museum that’s not always possible.
How does the South Carolina State Museum Staff choose specialty traveling exhibits like this one? The traveling exhibits are selected by the Museum staff as a team. They discuss the different exhibits available during the time they are looking to host, as well as the costs and how well it will resonate with visitors in our community. The museum staff evaluate the educational value as well and determine whether or not prospective exhibits fit with the museum’s mission.

Want to see a preview of the International Exhibit of Sherlock Holmes before you go? You can view a clip of the exhibit by clicking here.

If you're planning to bring the kids, consider going this weekend to save on admission. Super Sleuth Saturday is this Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 am-6 pm. Kids ages 3-12 are invited to become a detective, solve a mystery, and win a prize! Kids general admission, Sherlock Holmes exhibit admission, and 4D movie tickets are only $10! Dress up like your favorite crime fighter and get a free digital souvenir photo. Meet City of Columbia Police Officers and McGruff the Crime dog. To learn more visit the South Carolina State Museum's Website by clicking here.