Sherlock Holmes Museum

　　    Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is a globally famous detective who, along with his assistant Dr. Watson, solves numerous cases for readers. In the novels, Holmes resides at 221B Baker Street. In 1990, the Sherlock Holmes Museum was established here. The interior layout and furnishings are all based on scenes described in the novels, further enhancing the authenticity of Holmes’ former residence.

　　    The house was originally built in 1815. Between 1860 and 1934, it was rented out. In the novels, Holmes lived here from 1881 to 1902. Later, someone purchased the property, and it wasn’t until 1990 that this perhaps one-of-a-kind museum in the world was officially established. The structure of the museum matches exactly what’s described in the novels, and with meticulous furnishing, visitors feel as if they’ve stepped right into the scenes of the books.

　　    The first floor is the most important. At the front is the shared study of Holmes and Dr. Watson, while the back leads to Holmes’ bedroom. There, female staff dressed in Victorian-era servant costumes enthusiastically introduce the exhibits to visitors and take photos for them. The study displays many of Holmes’ “props,” such as a deerstalker hat, magnifying glass, pipes, and gas lamps. In one corner of the study is the unforgettable “chemical laboratory” from the novels — actually just a desk equipped with various chemistry tools, with shelves above filled with bottles and jars containing different chemicals.

　　    Sherlock Holmes Museum (Sherlock Holmes Museum), New Tu Travel Network, www.sintu.com

　　    The second floor was originally Dr. Watson’s bedroom, but now, along with the third floor, it is entirely dedicated to wax figures of famous characters from the novels, showcasing iconic scenes from various stories. These life-sized wax figures are incredibly lifelike, and at first glance, they can sometimes be mistaken for real people.

　　    The museum also displays letters sent to Holmes from people all over the world (in their minds, he is neither fictional nor dead). Aside from friendly correspondence, some letters even ask Holmes for help solving cases. The most recent letter dates from 1999. At the ground floor exit of the museum is a souvenir shop offering various Holmes-related memorabilia.

　　    In the novels, Holmes’ landlady is Mrs. Hudson. After purchasing a ticket, the receipt issued by the museum is a mock lodging certificate issued by Mrs. Hudson, which is quite amusing. In fact, the walls of Baker Street Underground Station are covered in tiles featuring Holmes’ profile, and upon exiting the station, you might see a detective dressed as Holmes handing out business cards. There is also a Sherlock Holmes souvenir shop right across from the museum.

　　    Address: 221B Baker Street, London, UK

　　    Website: http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/holmes/chinese/

　　    Ticket: £6 for adults, £4 for children

　　    Opening hours: 9:30–18:00

　　    Transportation: Take the subway to Baker Street Station or take a train to Marylebone.