What Is the “Body Worlds” Exhibit?

Body Worlds is a traveling exhibition that showcases human bodies and other anatomical specisms that have been preserved through a process called plastination. The exhibit has traveled throughout the world, and some cities also have permanent exhibits available. The purpose of the exhibit is to inform visitors about anatomy, health and physiology through the viewing of the human body. Each exhibit features real human specimens which include organ configurations, individual organs, translucent slices of the body, and presentations of the whole body.  

Body Worlds has been traveling since 1995 and has been showcased in 154 cities around the world. One of the most recent exhibits from Body Worlds is “The Anatomy of Happiness”, which explores how people define happiness and the effects that the experience of happiness has on the body and mind. The lack of happiness and its detrimental implications for the body are also examined in greater detail through showcasing the damaging effects of alcohol, tobacco, and disease. The use of plastination allows visitors to see the human body and the effects of these factors on the body in a manner that would not normally be accessible. While demonstrating the overall intricacy of anatomy, it also helps visitors to see the impact of their lifestyle behaviors and choices on their bodies. 

Since its introduction in 1995, the Body Worlds exhibit has been a source of fascination and controversy for many individuals. Many people have a curiosity about death and the human body, so the exhibit is one way of gaining more insight into the complexities of both. Those who support the exhibit often cite its educational value to the greater public. However, some have shared ethical concerns surrounding how bodies were sourced and whether the exhibit is a form of exploitation. Despite these differences in opinion, Body Worlds has proven to be an ongoing success around the world.

Sources

“Reconsidering Body Worlds: why do we still flock to exhibits of dead human beings?” The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/reconsidering-body-worlds-why-do-we-still-flock-to-exhibits-of-dead-human-beings-57024 

“A new exhibit featuring preserved human bodies is making its North American debut in Boston”. Boston. https://www.boston.com/things-to-do/events/body-worlds-boston-exhibit/ 

“Body Worlds: Questions & Answers”. Body Worlds. https://bodyworlds.com/about/faq/ 

“The impact of Body Worlds on adult visitors’ knowledge on human anatomy: A preliminary study”. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26789643/