The British Library in London is set to host a major exhibition celebrating the life, adventures and literary legacy of Agatha Christie, one of the world's most celebrated crime writers.

Titled Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, the exhibition will run from 30 October 2026 to 20 June 2027, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the experiences and inspirations behind the author's iconic works and unforgettable characters, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

The exhibition will trace Christie's extraordinary life, from her travels across continents by train to her experiences at archaeological excavations. Visitors will be able to explore immersive settings inspired by her world, including a grand country house, a First World War dispensary, an Orient Express-style railway carriage, an archaeological dig and a West End theatre.

The experience will also invite visitors to search for hidden clues and Easter eggs throughout the exhibition, bringing an element of mystery to the displays.

Drawing on letters, notebooks, photographs, personal possessions and original manuscript drafts, the exhibition will showcase a remarkable collection of material, including objects being displayed publicly for the first time.

Among the highlights is Christie's 1937 Remington typewriter, reportedly used to write And Then There Were None and other works. Visitors will also see her notes for the theatrical adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution, as well as a typescript of House of Beauty, the first short story she wrote as a teenager.

Other exhibits include Christie's pharmaceutical examination study notes from 1917, family photographs documenting her travels in Egypt, Hawaii and Southern Africa, and personal correspondence with relatives. One letter to her second husband describes her journey aboard the Orient Express.

The exhibition aims to provide a deeper understanding of how Christie's personal experiences, international travels and professional background influenced her writing and helped shape some of the most enduring characters in detective fiction.

Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery will take place at the British Library in London. Tickets cost £25 during peak periods and between £20 and £23 at off-peak times, with concessions available. British Library members can attend free of charge.

The exhibition is supported by Great Western Railway, with additional thanks to Newby Teas. It has been organised in collaboration with Agatha Christie Limited and the Christie Archive Trust. Photo by Wikimedia commons.

Exhibition details

Location: British Library, London

Dates: 30 October 2026 – 20 June 2027

Tickets: From £20

Accessibility: Step-free access and large-print guides available

Booking: Book tickets through the British Library

 

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