The Sherlock Holmes Collections - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

The Sherlock Holmes Collections

Minneapolis, Minnesota

This collection is the largest in the world dedicated to Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

View all photos
The Elmer L. Andersen Library is home to the Holmes Collection. Innotata (Creative Commons)
The Elmer L. Andersen Library is home to the Holmes Collection. Innotata (Creative Commons)
5
35
Top Places in Minneapolis
House of Balls
House of Balls
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Art Shanties at Lake Harriet
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hidden Beach
Minneapolis, Minnesota
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding The Sherlock Holmes Collections with additional information or photos.

Located in Elmer L. Andersen Library, the University of Minnesota’s Sherlock Holmes Collections is the world’s largest archive dedicated to the fictional sleuth and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Boasting over 60,000 items, the collection includes everything from original manuscripts to board games and Sherlock-themed toys. Established in 1947 by five Sherlock enthusiasts affiliated with the university, known as the “Norwegian Explorers,” this archive has been growing ever since.

Know Before You Go

The Holmes collection is not open to the public; however, the University offers occasional guided tours, and many items have been digitized and are accessible online. Some materials can also be viewed by appointment.

detectives archives libraries literature
Community Contributors
m
Added by
marasta215
Published
July 31, 2024
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
University of Minnesota Shoe Tree
0.08 miles
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
0.29 miles
House of Balls
0.52 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Close up of shoes on the shoe tree
Minneapolis, Minnesota

University of Minnesota Shoe Tree

No one's quite sure where this quirky university tradition originated.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum

20,000 pieces in a Frank Gehry-designed building.
House of Balls
Minneapolis, Minnesota

House of Balls

Funhouse of found art and participatory sculpture.
Gold Medal Flour Mill
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mill City Museum and site of "The Great Mill Disaster"

When flour explodes, it's not a pretty sight.
Related Places
Washington, D.C.

Library Of Congress Gutenberg Bible

One of the three perfect vellum copies of this historic book known to exist is on display in a specially-designed case.
Mississippi Writers Room and Collection at the Eudora Welty Library in Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi

Mississippi Writer's Room at the Eudora Welty Library

A glimpse into the state's vibrant literary culture along with inspiring stories from an inclusive author community.
Jane Austen's name is emblazoned at the top of the telephone box.
Steventon, England

Jane Austen's Telephone Box

The world's smallest Austen museum is inside an unassuming phone booth.
The Book of Aneirin
Aberystwyth, Wales

The Ancient Books of Wales

Welsh literary history is preserved in the delicate pages of these medieval manuscripts.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web