Body Worlds

Body Worlds is one of the most innovative and controversial traveling exhibitions of our time, conceived by the German anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens. First presented in Japan in 1995, the exhibition has attracted over 55 million visitors in more than 160 cities worldwide, making it one of the most popular exhibitions in modern history. The uniqueness of Body Worlds lies in the use of real human bodies, preserved through a technique called plastination. Plastination, invented by von Hagens in 1977 while working as an anatomist at the University of Heidelberg, is a process that replaces bodily fluids and soluble fats with reactive polymers such as silicone, epoxy resins, and polyester. This method not only preserves the tissues but also allows the bodies to be positioned in dynamic poses and sectioned to show anatomical details that would otherwise be invisible. The technique allows for long-term preservation, transforming cadavers into educational works of art. The Body Worlds exhibition aims to educate the public about the complexity and beauty of the human body. By displaying healthy and diseased organs, the exhibition emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. For example, it often shows the difference between a healthy lung and a smoker’s lung, illustrating the devastating effects of smoking. Additionally, Body Worlds explores themes such as cardiology, longevity, aging, and even the influence of happiness on health, as highlighted in the exhibition “The Happiness Project.” The educational mission of Body Worlds is underscored by the public’s response. Surveys among visitors have revealed that a significant percentage of them gained a greater awareness of their own bodies and lifestyle habits after visiting the exhibition. A survey conducted in Vienna showed that, six months after the visit, 33% of participants followed a healthier diet and 25% engaged more in physical activity. Body Worlds is not without controversy. The display of human cadavers has raised ethical and legal issues in several countries. For example, in France, a similar exhibition was closed in 2009 because it was considered a violation of the respect due to the deceased. In the United States, some state legislations require proof of donor consent for the display of bodies. Despite these controversies, Body Worlds has always maintained that all the bodies used come from donors who consented to plastination and the educational use of their remains. In addition to the main exhibition, Body Worlds has created several themed exhibitions. “Animal Inside Out” is one of these, using plastination to show the anatomy of animals. This exhibition offers a fascinating look beneath the skin of some of the most extraordinary creatures in the animal kingdom, including elephants, giraffes, and octopuses, and serves to educate the public about biodiversity and the biological complexity of the animal kingdom.