Three years after BODY WORLDS brought record crowds to the Arizona Science Center, a new blockbuster exhibition, Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS & The Brain, will open to the public Friday, January 21 in the Sybil B. Harrington Galleries. For the first time in Phoenix, this new presentation of BODY WORLDS contains a special feature that unravels the mystery of the mind and secret world of the brain.
“BODY WORLDS & The Brain provides Arizona Science Center with a unique opportunity to enhance our outstanding educational programs and enrich people’s understanding of their bodies,” said Chevy Humphrey, President & CEO. “Visitors will encounter both the resilience and fragility of the human body, discovering how a body works when it is healthy and how it breaks down when it is not. Through its aesthetic and accessible displays, BODY WORLDS invites contemplation, study and reflection of the power and vulnerability of the human body by everyone.”
For this special presentation of BODY WORLDS, Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of the Plastination process and creator the exhibitions and his wife, Dr. Angelina Whalley, conceptual planner and creative designer of the exhibitions, have created a holistic meditation on the brain that merges anatomy, neuroscience, and philosophy that resonates with everyone. “The brain is an incredible marvel of engineering. I wanted people to recognize what is known about this amazing gem inside our heads, and be awed by its possibilities and capacities,” said Dr. von Hagens.
Don’t take our word for it, check out what other people had to say about BODY WORLDS.
“What an OUTSTANDING exhibit! I am a firefighter/paramedic and EMS instructor. I have attended numerous autopsy labs and got more out of the three hours in BODY WORLDS. Dr. von Hagens should be commended for his work!”
— Mike
“Fabulous Exhibition! Reality is much more than fiction. But here it’s dramaturgy and the atralisation and re-creation of reality. Marvelous. Unique. Definitely to see many times. So inspiring.”
– Jean-Paul Gaultier, London
“Thank you for such an important exhibit. What a wonderful way to learn.”
– Nicole Kidman, Los Angeles
“We drove 300 miles to see this exhibit and it was worth every mile! This is an excellent opportunity to view human anatomy in all its detail and glory.”
— Caryn
“Absolutely remarkable! A gift of exploration that everyone except the faint hearted should see…thank you.”
– Demi Moore, Los Angeles
Event FAQ
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE EXHIBITION?
BODY WORLDS aims to educate the public about the inner workings of the human body and show the effects of poor health, good health, and lifestyle choices. It is also presented in the hopes that it will stimulate curiosity about the science of anatomy.
COULDN’T I LEARN JUST AS MUCH FROM BOOKS OR MODELS OF HUMAN ANATOMY?
Real human bodies show the details of disease and anatomy that cannot be shown with models. They also allow us to understand how each body has its own unique features, even on the inside.
WHERE DID THE SPECIMENS ON DISPLAY COME FROM? WILL WE KNOW WHO THE PLASTINATES ARE OR HOW THEY DIED?
The BODY WORLDS exhibitions rely on the generosity of body donors; individuals who bequeathed that, upon their death, their bodies could be used for educational purposes in the exhibition. All of the full-body plastinates and the majority of the specimens are from these body donors; some specific specimens that show unusual conditions and fetuses on display come from old anatomical collections and morphological institutes. As agreed upon by the body donors, their identities and causes of death are not provided. The exhibition focuses on the nature of our bodies, not on providing personal information.
WHAT IS PLASTINATION?
Invented by scientist and anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977, Plastination is the groundbreaking method of halting decomposition and preserving anatomical specimens for scientific and medical education. Plastination is the process of extracting all bodily fluids and soluble fat from specimens, replacing them through vacuum-forced impregnation with reactive resins and elastomers, and then curing them with light, heat, or certain gases, which give the specimens rigidity and permanence.
WILL I BE ABLE TO TOUCH ANY OF THE PLASTINATES?
While visitors are able to get very close to the plastinates, they are not allowed to touch them.
WHY ARE THE PLASTINATES POSED THE WAY THEY ARE?
The poses of the plastinates have been carefully thought out and serve educational aims. Each plastinate is posed to illustrate different anatomical features. For instance, the athletic poses illustrate the use of muscle systems while playing sports. The poses allow visitors to relate the plastinates to their own bodies.
IS THIS EXHIBITION APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN?
More than 32 million people, including young children, have viewed the BODY WORLDS exhibitions around the world. It is important to note that the exhibition includes full-body plastinates with exposed genitals. Children under 17 must be accompanied by responsible adults during their visit.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OR FILM IN THE EXHIBITION?
Photography and filming, including pictures taken with cell phones, are not allowed in BODY WORLDS, except by accredited members of the media.
Popularity: 20% [?]
