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Do your own detective work at Perot Museum’s interactive Sherlock Holmes exhibit

Trust the evidence, not the theories.

You'll hear this mantra repeatedly while perusing the Perot Museum of Nature and Science's newest attraction, The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, in search of subtle clues to solve a murder mystery. The exhibit, which opens to the general public on Valentine's Day, weaves historical and scientific context with fictional storytelling — much like Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle did — in an interactive format appropriate for all ages.

“The science shaped the story; the story didn’t shape the science,” said Colleen Walker, the museum’s chief executive officer, at a media preview Thursday.

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That's why the Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes functions in part as a time capsule, transporting patrons back to the mid- to late-1800s when author Conan Doyle began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Relics of the time, such as a preserved human heart with a stab wound and a Smith, Beck & Beck microscope from 1865, sit in glass cases alongside Conan Doyle's poems and notes.

Another central focus of the exhibit is Joseph Bell, whose pioneering work in forensic science and the “art of observation” inspired the Sherlock Holmes character.

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Attendees also walk through 19th century scientific revolutions, from the telegraph and cosmetics, to advances in undercover police work and botany.

These more traditional exhibits are interesting, but they act as building blocks for the fun part of the Sherlock Holmes adventure – solving a murder mystery.

"The International Exhibit of Sherlock Holmes" at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science...
"The International Exhibit of Sherlock Holmes" at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science includes props from the 2009 movie featuring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams.(Michael Ainsworth / The Dallas Morning News)

An American journalist and botanist has been accused of killing his family during a drug-induced state of insanity, but there are holes in the police’s case. Museum-goers use a “detective’s notebook” they receive upon entering the exhibit to investigate the crime scene for forensic evidence. Different clues, including the pattern of blood splatter, the bullet’s trajectory and a footprint embossment, help to whittle down potential scenarios. (Remember: trust the evidence, not the theories.)

Daniel Stashower, who wrote an award-winning biography of Conan Doyle, created the plot exclusively for the Sherlock Holmes exhibit, and several development groups brought it to life with period-specific décor and intricate inventions designed to test bits of evidence.

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To those of you thinking this sounds like an attraction for kids, think again. Clues to the case are not entirely obvious, and connecting those clues is not a piece of cake. The real kicker: You can go through the whole story cracking the case and come up with an incorrect answer.

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes will undoubtedly inspire fans of the novels. One of the only downfalls to the exhibit is that it is so inherently interactive, museum-goers may encounter lines or long waits to use some of the features. But if you have the patience, it's worth the time.

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes runs February 14 through May 10, 2015 at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The exhibit includes Spanish translations on all features. Tickets cost $29 for adults, $23 for senior (over 65) and $21 for those 17 years and under. Tickets include access to the rest of the Perot’s exhibit halls. For more information, visitperotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.