Get to know Sherlock Holmes at Science Museum Oklahoma until September 6
If you are looking for an indoor activity that will challenge your mind and excite your inner detective, look no further than the Science Museum Oklahoma’s Sherlock Holmes – The Exhibition.
Sandy footprints, splatter patterns and other subtle and not-so-subtle pieces of evidence mark each visitor’s journey through this interactive experience. The exhibition combines science, history, and pop culture to bring to life the historic underpinnings of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s rich and vibrant stories.
This exhibition has travelled to well-renowned museums all over the world, and Science Museum Oklahoma was able to bring it to our community thanks in part to the pandemic. With shifts in plans and programming for museums worldwide, the exhibit had an opening in its touring schedule, and an opportunity for it to land in Oklahoma City presented itself. Science Museum Oklahoma staff first saw the exhibition while they were visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science a while back. They quickly fell in love with its interactive nature and enriching content, so it was a pleasant surprise when they were able to bring it to OKC.
In the exhibition, guests learn how Sherlock Holmes, a scientific expert ahead of his time, used trivial observations of clues to solve some of his era’s most mysterious crimes. His practices and techniques, created in the mind of doctor-turned-author Conan Doyle, changed the way police work was conducted in the 19th century and remain in practice today.
Upon entering the exhibition space, guests are greeted by one of the exhibition’s facilitators who will hand over a personal booklet to gather clues. The booklet guides visitors through their own investigation of the crime scene. Booklets are offered at a junior detective level for younger folks, in addition to the more challenging standard version. Multiple stations throughout the exhibition require the use of the booklet. At the end, the pages will be filled with hole punches, rubbings, and details of each visitor’s personal investigation.
Three stages of content seamlessly flow together throughout the space. Though all enter from Oklahoma City, as individuals move deeper into the moody exhibition, mid-19th century London comes to life. The first stage is comprised mostly of historical content, which provides context of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life as the author of Sherlock Holmes. This part of the exhibition features original manuscripts, period artifacts, and exclusive content. Many of the artifacts can’t be viewed anywhere else, because they are special pieces contributed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original estate. Visitors can learn about communication pre-phone era through an exchange of Morse code messages using the two telegraphs placed in the space. The various booths around the room mimic storefronts from long ago London and provide charming bits of history.
The second stage of the exhibition takes the guests to a crime scene, where they are greeted with a message from Sherlock himself, played out of an Edison Home Phonograph. This area is where detective skills are put to the test. Visitors experiment with different simulation techniques and document each step of the process as the mystery unfolds.
Once the mystery is solved, the final stage of the exhibition offers an array of memorabilia from Sherlock books, movies, and advertisements throughout its history of almost 150 years. Among the memorabilia, visual interactive displays offer education on how the Sherlock series has influenced fields of science, criminal justice, and medicine.
“We’re hoping this exhibition will help show people how far science has pushed the boundaries,” said Linda Maisch, Vice President of Organizational Development and Community Engagement, Science Museum Oklahoma. “This exhibit presents science in such a fun and engaging way. We felt it was a great way to bring our city out of a challenging time and bring hope and excitement for what we can all explore in the future.”
The exhibition includes over two dozen hands-on interactives and over 200 original artifacts. It was developed through a collaborative effort led by Exhibits Development Group and Geoffrey M. Curley + Associates, along with the Conan Doyle Estate Limited, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the Museum of London.
Science Museum Oklahoma is making intentional efforts to ensure the exhibition is safe and enjoyable for all visitors. Frequent sanitation of the interactive elements and timed entry give peace of mind for all to fully engage with the learning opportunities and entertainment offered by the experience.
What else is offered at the Science Museum Oklahoma?
After enjoying Sherlock Holmes – The Exhibition, check out The Worst-Case Scenario: An Ultimate Survival Experience before leaving the museum. This traveling exhibition will also be at Science Museum Oklahoma until September 6, offering a full-body physical and minds-on experience to learn about the seven steps of survival. Visitors will be introduced to stories of real-life heroes and survivors, along with information on the three key aspects of survival: Be prepared. Don’t panic. Have a plan.
You’ll want to wear something easy to move in for this interactive exhibition. An opportunity to jump off a platform simulating the experience of avoiding a close call with a train, along with a challenge to cling to a wall like Spider-Man, provide physical challenge like no other.
On Friday, June 25 from 6:30-10pm, the Science Museum Oklahoma will host an adults-only SMO21 event in The Worst Case Scenario exhibit. It’s the first SMO21 event since COVID-19. Guests’ survival skills will be tested as they learn how to perform a tracheotomy and escape if buried alive, among other unique scenarios. Museum educators will help coach guests through each worst-case scenario and teach them the science they need to survive the night.
SMO21 events are great ways to experience Science Museum Oklahoma, without the kids. Cocktail bars and food options are available during the event, and special surprises happen throughout the evening for attendees. These events typically welcome 750 individuals into the museum and they often sell out. If you can’t make June’s SMO21, stay tuned for another SMO21 event happening in August in the Sherlock Holmes exhibition.
Why should you visit the Science Museum?
Unlike other science museums around the country, Science Museum Oklahoma is unique. They do their best to make sure individuals can access all of their offerings through general admission costs. Traveling exhibitions like Sherlock Holmes – The Exhibition are offered at a low additional cost.
“We don’t want parents to have to tell their kids no because of price,” said Linda Maisch, which is why all of their permanent exhibitions, shows, and interactive activities are included in the cost of a ticket to the museum.
Ticketing and Museum Information
General admission to Science Museum Oklahoma is $16.95 for adults; $13.95 for children and seniors. Sherlock Holmes – The Exhibition must be purchased in addition to general admission. Tickets are $9.95 for adults; $7.95 for children and seniors. Museum members may purchase tickets for a discounted rate of $7.95 for adults; $5.95 for children and seniors.
About Science Museum Oklahoma
Science Museum Oklahoma is the state’s only hands-on science museum and, with over 390,000 square feet, one of the largest science museums in the nation. With a mission of enriching lives by revealing the wonder and relevance of science, Science Museum Oklahoma demonstrates the relationship between the physical sciences and everyday experiences. The museum influences how Oklahomans learn about science through interactive exhibits, discovery-based activities, live planetarium and science shows, educational outreach programs and special events. The museum’s clear mission and firm focus on science literacy encourages families to develop and build upon a strong foundation in the sciences.
Science Museum Oklahoma is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm.
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