Planning your visit

How long will the exhibition be in Sydney?

The exhibition will open from 2 June 2017 and will be on until 8 October 2017.

What are the hours of the exhibition?

10am to 5pm (last entry 3.30pm).

My ticket has a time on it. What does that mean?

Tickets are sold for timed entry in half-hourly periods. Patrons will enter the exhibition at some point within the designated time period on their tickets.

What happens if I miss my time slot?

It is essential that you arrive in time to enter the exhibition within the time period on your ticket. If you are late, we cannot guarantee your prompt entry. We recommend arriving at the Museum at least 15 minutes prior to your visit.

Can I take my pram or stroller into the exhibition?

While the Museum welcomes visitors of all ages, some exhibitions such as this one cannot accommodate strollers. We ask that carers make use of the stroller parking provided at the cloaking desk on level 3 (Museum entrance).

How long does it take to see the exhibition?

The average visit to the exhibition is an hour and a half. Visitors also receive entry to the rest of the Powerhouse Museum during opening hours.

Is there a restriction to how long I can spend in the exhibition?

While entry to the exhibition must be within the time slot on your ticket, you can spend as long in the exhibition as you like on the day. Most visitors usually spend about one to two hours in the exhibition.

Is this exhibition suitable for children?

This is a great exhibition for all ages to enjoy but we recommend that children aged 5 years and over will get the most out of their exhibition experience. Children aged 12 years and under need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Is the exhibition accessible?

The Powerhouse Museum is fully accessible, with ramps and accessible toilet facilities (please note that toilets are not located within the exhibition). This exhibition is fully accessible. Wheelchairs may be borrowed (subject to availability). Companion card holders receive free admission when accompanying a paying visitor with a disability.

Is photography permitted in the exhibition?

Yes, photography is permitted within the exhibition. However, no flash photography is allowed. Share your photos using #SherlockHolmes #PowerhouseMuseum and tag us @maasmuseum.

Are food and drinks permitted in the exhibition?

No food or drinks are permitted inside the exhibition.

Is there a café at the Powerhouse?

Yes, there are two cafés at the Powerhouse, located on level 3 (near the exit) and adjacent to the outdoor playground on level 1.

Ticketing

Why should I pre-book my ticket?

It is cheaper to pre-book your tickets compared to box office prices. We also strongly recommend that you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment on sold out days, to avoid the queues, and are able to see the exhibition on the day that you would like. When a session sells out, tickets are not available for purchase at the box office.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets are available online through ticketek.com.au, over the phone on 132 849 or in person at Ticketek outlets. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Museum front desk.

Why do I need to purchase tickets for a specific time?

When you purchase your tickets, you will be asked to choose a date and time you would like to see the exhibition. For example, if you purchase tickets for 5 June 2017 at 10.30am, you will enter between 10.30am and 11.30am. This hour window allows us to manage the number of people in the exhibition at any given time to ensure all guests have a smooth experience.

I am a MAAS Member. How do I purchase tickets to the exhibition?

Entry to the exhibition is free for MAAS Members. Members must show their membership card and photo identification upon entering the Museum to gain entry to the exhibition.

Can I enter and exit the exhibition more than once with my ticket?

No. Tickets are for one entry per person only. Used tickets will show as such in our system to prevent re-entry, so visitors should purchase tickets only from official outlets.

Can I enter the Powerhouse Museum with my exhibition ticket?

Yes. Tickets to the exhibition also includes entry into the Museum during opening hours on the same day that the exhibition ticket is valid for.

Can I buy tickets to the exhibition on the day?

Tickets for the next available session can be purchased online or from the Powerhouse Museum box office. We strongly recommend that you pre-book your tickets to save and to avoid disappointment.

Can I exchange my tickets for another date if due to unforeseen circumstances I cannot make the original booking date?

Tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged for another day if you are unable to attend, subject to the availability of your preferred date – tickets cannot be exchanged if the date or time on the ticket has passed. To exchange the date or time of your ticket, please contact us on 1300 795 012 or visit the Museum Box Office prior to the date and time on your ticket.

Are group or school bookings available?

For all group and school group sales, please call 1300 364 001 or visit ticketek.com.au. Group discounts are available for 10+ visitors.

Are gift vouchers available to purchase?

Yes, gift vouchers can be purchased here. Gift vouchers are untimed and can be used for the next available session during Museum hours (10am–5pm, last entry 3.30pm).

Can I use my entertainment book voucher or other discount voucher for entry to the exhibition?

No, discount vouchers or general admission passes (including members’ guest passes) are not valid for use to enter this exhibition.

I am accompanying a vacation care or school group, is my entry free?

Teachers accompanying school groups receive complimentary tickets in accordance with the following levels of supervision, which are recommended by the Museum (supervisor: students)

1:5 for years K-2

1:10 for years 3-6

1:20 for years 7-12

Teachers visiting with their friends or families (not on an excursion) will need to pay the adult rate for entry.

The exhibition

What is in the exhibition?

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes offers an interactive experience combining science with history and culture to bring to life the historic underpinnings of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s rich and vibrant stories. Visitors will learn how Sherlock Holmes, a scientific expert ahead of his time, used seemingly trivial observations of clues others missed to solve some of his era’s most puzzling mysteries. His practices and techniques, created in the mind of doctor-turned-author Conan Doyle, encouraged a change in the way police work was conducted, and remain in practice today.

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes features original manuscripts and period artifacts, investigative tools influenced and used by Sherlock Holmes, and interactive crime-solving opportunities. Guests will be transported into Sherlock Holmes’ London to solve a crime in a world just receiving its introduction to his ground-breaking methods. Guests will then return to the present day – finding themselves in a showcase of Sherlock Holmes in all his manifestations from books and movies to today’s contemporary forensic science.

Visitors are advised that this exhibition contains human remains.