Experience the human body like never before in Body Worlds 101. This world-renowned exhibit reveals the inner workings of our anatomy – muscles, organs, and systems displayed in breathtaking detail.
From the tiniest details to the big picture, Body Worlds 101 shows just how amazing the human body really is. Kids, teens, and adults alike will be fascinated as they see what makes us tick – and inspired to think about their own health, strength, and potential in a whole new way.
More than a science exhibit, Body Worlds 101 is a chance to celebrate the miracle of being human.
Discover how your body works: Explore real human specimens, from complete whole bodies to individual organs and intricate anatomical slices, showcasing the mechanisms that sustain life
Understand common ailments: Gain insights into everyday health challenges such as arthritis, heart disease, and lung conditions. Witness firsthand how these ailments impact the body and learn the importance of preventative care and healthy living.
Marvel at the resilience of the human body: Learn about your body’s adaptability and the connection between lifestyle and health.
What is Plastination?
Plastination, invented by anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens, is a technique that removes the fluids from the body and replaces them with plastics that harden.
Plastination produces solid, odorless, and durable anatomical specimens for scientific, medical, and public instruction without the use of glass barriers or formaldehyde.
A whole-body plastinate requires approximately 1,500 working hours to complete.
FAQs
Is Body Worlds 101 appropriate for children?
Approximately 60 million people, including young children, have viewed the BODY WORLDS exhibitions around the world. We understand that not all children may want to experience this exhibition, which is why we are displaying it in a private area away from our other exhibits, and there is a separate entry fee.
Have the ethical questions concerning this exhibition been addressed?
Before the North American premiere of BODY WORLDS, a distinguished committee of theologians, ethicists, academics, and medical luminaries conducted an independent ethics review. The Ethics Review of the origins of bodies in BODY WORLDS – conducted by the California Science Center, Los Angeles – is available for download at bodyworlds.com.
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 the whole-body plastinates and the majority of the specimens are from these body donors; a few organs and specific specimens that show unusual conditions come from old anatomical collections and morphological institutes.
As agreed upon by the body donors, their identities and causes of death are not disclosed. The exhibition focuses on the nature of our bodies, not on providing personal information.
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 are chosen to highlight specific anatomical features and allow the visitor to relate the plastinate to their own body.
Will I be able to touch any of the plastinates?
While you will be able to get very close to the plastinates, visitors are not allowed to touch them.
Is Body Worlds 101 appropriate for children?
Approximately 60 million people, including young children, have viewed the BODY WORLDS exhibitions around the world. We understand that not all children may want to experience this exhibition, which is why we are displaying it in a private area away from our other exhibits, and there is a separate entry fee.
Have the ethical questions concerning this exhibition been addressed?
Before the North American premiere of BODY WORLDS, a distinguished committee of theologians, ethicists, academics, and medical luminaries conducted an independent ethics review. The Ethics Review of the origins of bodies in BODY WORLDS – conducted by the California Science Center, Los Angeles – is available for download at bodyworlds.com.
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 the whole-body plastinates and the majority of the specimens are from these body donors; a few organs and specific specimens that show unusual conditions come from old anatomical collections and morphological institutes.
As agreed upon by the body donors, their identities and causes of death are not disclosed. The exhibition focuses on the nature of our bodies, not on providing personal information.
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 are chosen to highlight specific anatomical features and allow the visitor to relate the plastinate to their own body.
Will I be able to touch any of the plastinates?
While you will be able to get very close to the plastinates, visitors are not allowed to touch them.
Begin your adventure in Curiosity Hall, where the excitement reaches new heights – literally!
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Discover the natural wonders of the world around you in the Lehigh River Watershed exhibit gallery.
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Your support will help us bring science to life and lives to science in so many ways — including our exhibit experiences, academic and visitor programs, professional development for educators, and our new facility.
