Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case

Press Release
For immediate release

EXHIBITION: “SHERLOCK HOLMES: CRACKING THE CASE”

At Pointe-à-Callière | from November 27, 2025 to March 8, 2026

Delve into the mysterious domain of the world’s most famous detective and his author!

(Montréal, November 26, 2025) — Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, presents Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case, from November 27, 2025 to March 8, 2026. The exhibition invites visitors to discover writer Arthur Conan Doyle and his legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes, while also revealing a surprising connection to Montréal and the early days of police investigation! Embarking on an immersive historical journey, visitors will make their way to late-19th century London, the author’s source of inspiration. It was an era marked by scientific progress and the development of investigative techniques. The exhibition also features personal items that belonged to Conan Doyle, some of which are being presented exclusively in North America.

AN EXHIBITION THAT MAKES YOU THE DETECTIVE!

Strolling through immersive, life-size settings, you will get to follow in Sherlock Holmes’ footsteps to solve a unique criminal case! Every clue means something! Observation, evidence, analysis… visitors will have to put their detective skills to the test to unravel the mystery. A fun and captivating experience, with a focus on Holmes’ reasoning and ingenuity.

“We are delighted to present this major international exhibition dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. It immerses visitors in every aspect of Conan Doyle’s work and allows us to draw a parallel with a little-known chapter in the city’s history: the creation of the Montréal Detective Bureau. Among the items on display are authentic manuscripts, Arthur Conan Doyle’s actual desk, which has just been restored, his quill, his inkwell, as well as unique objects from the author’s time in Montréal.” Anne Élisabeth Thibault, Executive Director, Pointe-à-Callière

ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE AND 19th CENTURY LONDON

A physician, writer, and traveller, Arthur Conan Doyle drew on his personal experiences to fuel his imagination. He was also inspired by his era—the Victorian golden age—, marked by industrial, cultural, and scientific transformations (ballistics, telecommunications, photography, botany, etc.). This rich context allowed him to shape the world of Sherlock Holmes, a detective “of his time” with an atypical personality and vast general knowledge that enabled him to make connections between various disciplines. The character is renowned for his unique investigative methods, using the methodical analysis of clues and scientific experimentation to solve crimes—at a time when the police were still hesitant to adopt these forensic approaches.

With four novels, 56 short stories, and countless adaptations for the stage and screen over more than a century, Sherlock Holmes has become the archetype of the detective, an iconic character recognized throughout the world and rooted in the collective imagination.

A STOP IN MONTRÉAL: THE BIRTH OF INVESTIGATIVE POLICING

In this exhibition, Pointe-à-Callière is also taking a unique look at Montréal police at the turn of the 20th century as they faced increased activity in organized crime, the red-light district, and the opium trade. Following London’s lead, Montréal was increasingly influenced by the exciting advancements in European police investigation, with its law enforcement agencies becoming more institutionalized and professional. The era of Sherlock Holmes coincided with the beginnings of investigative policing, the creation of the Montréal Detective Bureau, and the establishment of the first forensic science laboratory in North America. This is an opportunity to learn more about Detective Silas Carpenter, a true Sherlock Holmes from Québec!

COMPLEMENTING THE EXHIBITION

Cultural Activities
Explore the astonishing world of Sherlock Holmes and extend your exhibition visit:
-Holidays on the Pointe (December 27 to 30, 2025 and January 2 to 3, 2026)
-Nuit blanche (February 28, 2026)
-Spring Break on the Pointe: Little Sherlocks (February 28 to March 6, 2026)

Lectures
The Museum is holding a series of lectures relating to the exhibition:
-Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes (Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 7 pm)
-Silas Carpenter, Montréal’s Sherlock Holmes (Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7 pm)

Exhibition Booklet
Designed to help you crack the case, booklets are available free of charge at the reception counter:
-Youth Booklet (ages 6 and under)
-Booklet for all audiences

Explore the complete program on the Pointe-à-Callière website: www.pacmusee.qc.ca

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case is an exhibition presented by Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, in collaboration with the Conan Doyle Estate Limited, developed from an original concept by Exhibits Development Group and Geoffrey M. Curley + Associates. The Museum thanks its sponsors: Air Canada Cargo, YUL-Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Tourisme Montréal, Hotel Saint-Sulpice, and La Presse. The Museum sincerely thanks its lenders, sponsors, and partners.

ABOUT POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MONTRÉAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY COMPLEX

Inaugurated in 1992, on the city’s 350th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is today the largest archaeology museum in Canada and the busiest history museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including the birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various activities focused on conservation, research, presentation, education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting both Montrealers and visitors to the city. Pointe-à-Callière, proud partner of the City of Montréal.

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Download the press kit / exhibition images

SOURCE: POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MONTRÉAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY COMPLEX
Katia Bouchard, Communications and Marketing Director
T: 514 872-9124 / [email protected]

Clémence Rampillon, Communications Project Manager
T: 514 872-2687 / [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:
Geneviève Harvey, Rugicomm
T: 514 927-1525 / [email protected]