London betting on major exhibits to attract tourists in 2014

And to sustain the trend, the British capital is turning the spotlight on its cultural wealth. In 2014, the city hopes to draw even more international tourists thanks to a series of world-class exhibits. From Rembrandt to Sherlock Holmes, there will be something for everyone, Relaxnews reports.

London carried off an impressive feat in 2013, hosting a total of 16.8 million tourists during the year, beating its previous record set in 2006 by a margin of 1.2 million visitors, the International Passenger Survey announced in May. But the British capital doesn't plan to rest on its laurels. To continue its impressive growth, the city is doubling down with a prestigious cultural agenda in 2014.

The British Museum, which attracted a record 6.7 million visitors in 2013 with its "Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum" exhibit, is hoping to repeat its success with "Ming: 50 years that changed China," which opens September 18. From October 15, the National Gallery will invite travelers to a unique exhibit that will not soon be forgotten. "Rembrandt: The Finest Years" will showcase the Dutch painter's late works, including 40 paintings, 30 prints and 20 drawings.

Among the other highlights on the city's cultural scene next season is the Museum of London's Sherlock Holmes exhibit. Taking place from October 17, 2014 to April 12, 2015, the event will be London's first exhibit on the famous fictional detective since 1951. "Sherlock Holmes: The Man Who Never Lived and Will Never Die" will examine the popularity and cultural impact of the literary phenomenon, which continues to inspire books, TV shows and movies. The exhibit will also transport visitors to 19th-century Victorian London, the setting of most of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories.

Finally, like the rest of Europe, London is commemorating the First World War Centenary this year. On July 19, the city will reopen its Imperial War Museum after extensive renovations. In addition to new galleries devoted to the Great War, the museum's first visitors can attend "Truth and Memory," a retrospective of British art on the conflict.