Heading to Denver, Colorado? Through January 2016, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is hosting two compelling exhibitions that together create an engaging mystery-themed experience. The centerpiece is “The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes” (on display through January 31), a detailed exploration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work and his famed detective, Sherlock Holmes. This interactive exhibit recreates an 1895 Victorian London underground station and a faithful version of 221B Baker Street, where visitors can examine the scene of the crime and follow clues alongside Holmes and Dr. Watson. The presentation includes artifacts and items that trace Sherlock’s influence on popular culture, and award-winning Conan Doyle biographer Daniel Stashower devised a special, Holmes-style case for guests to solve as they move through the exhibit.
Running concurrently is “The Power of Poison” (on display through January 10), an intriguing and sometimes chilling look at how poisons function in nature, their roles in literature, and how toxic substances have driven discoveries in medicine. The exhibition features a lush, recreated Colombian forest complete with live poison dart frogs and lifelike replicas of venomous insects. Visitors step into scenes that echo classic literature and folklore, including a Mad Hatter–style tea party inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and an Enchanted Book that explores myths surrounding plants such as belladonna and monkshood. Detailed dioramas illustrate the cultural and narrative role of poison, with references to Snow White’s poisoned apple and characters from Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket and Sherlock Holmes.
Both exhibitions offer layered storytelling that blends historical context, scientific insight and immersive design. “The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes” emphasizes detective work and Victorian-era forensic methods, inviting guests to engage in observation, deduction and historical interpretation. Through period settings and carefully curated artifacts, visitors gain perspective on the social and scientific milieu that shaped Conan Doyle’s tales.
Meanwhile, “The Power of Poison” presents toxicology in a way that is accessible and thought-provoking, showing how natural toxins provide survival advantages to species while also inspiring medical innovation. Interactive displays and compelling visual scenes help translate complex scientific ideas—how poisons affect organisms, how they’ve been used in cultural narratives, and how a better understanding of toxins has led to advances in treatment and pharmacology.
Together, these exhibits make the museum a destination for families, fans of classic detective fiction and anyone curious about the intersection of science and storytelling. Visitors can move from the investigative puzzles and period atmosphere of Sherlock Holmes to the vivid, sometimes eerie worlds where poisons shape survival and storylines. Both exhibitions are designed to engage multiple senses and encourage close observation, making them ideal for school groups, adult visitors and anyone who enjoys hands-on learning.
Plan for enough time to fully explore each gallery: the Sherlock Holmes exhibit rewards careful inspection of clues, while the Power of Poison galleries include live animals and detailed displays that benefit from a slower pace. Museum programming often features related talks, guided tours and activities for children, so check the museum’s schedule for any special events during your visit. Whether you’re drawn by literary history, forensic science or natural history, these two exhibitions offer rich, complementary experiences that illuminate the art of detection and the science of toxicity.