What is BODY WORLDS 2?
The BODY WORLDS exhibitions are first-of-their-kind exhibitions in which visitors learn about anatomy, physiology and health by viewing real human bodies, preserved through an extraordinary method called Plastination. Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 2: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies features more than 200 real human specimens, including entire bodies, individual organs and transparent body slices. Using the revolutionary process of Plastination, the body specimens are preserved with special plastics that enable us to view the many organs and systems under our skin. The exhibition also allows for visitors to better understand diseases, the effects of tobacco consumption and use of artificial supports such as knees and hips. To date, nearly 18 million people around the world have viewed BODY WORLDS and BODY WORLDS 2.
What is Plastination?
Plastination is a unique process invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens to preserve specimens for medical education. The process replaces water in the body tissues with fluid plastics that harden after vacuum-forced impregnation. Hardening the plastic in the specimens allows the bodies to be fixed into lifelike poses, which illustrate how our bodies respond, internally, to movements in everyday and athletic activities.
What is the purpose of the exhibition?
BODY WORLDS 2 aims to educate the public about the inner workings of the human body and to show the effects of healthy lifestyle choices. It is also presented in the hopes that it will stimulate curiosity about the science of anatomy and physiology.
Would I be able to learn just as much from books or models of the human anatomy?
The unique use of authentic specimens shows the details of disease, physiology, and anatomy in a way that cannot be shown with models, textbooks or photos. In addition, the exhibition allows visitors to understand that each and every body has its own unique features, even on the inside. The experience in other cities has shown that with the Anatomical Sections and Prenatal Development exhibits visitors are drawn to real specimens in a way that they are not to plastic models.
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 come from anatomical collections. The donors' identities, ages and causes of death are not provided as the exhibition focuses on the nature of our bodies, not on providing personal information.
Why does the public need to see this exhibition?
The organizers of BODY WORLDS and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science believe that when people understand more about how the body works and how it can respond and deteriorate due to habits such as smoking, they become more involved in taking better care of themselves to sustain good health. Also, we hope it will inspire visitors to learn more about the life sciences. Understanding what the human body looks like and how it functions is basic life science information that should be available to everyone.
Is this exhibition appropriate for children?
Nearly 18 million people have viewed BODY WORLDS and BODY WORLDS 2, including children. Due to the sensitive nature of this exhibition, however, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science recommends it for schoolchildren in grades 5 and above. There may be displays in the exhibition that adults will wish to explain to children in their care. An Educator’s Guide and Family Guide with helpful tips and more information for visiting the exhibition are good resources.
Why was the Denver Museum of Nature & Science interested in this exhibition?
BODY WORLDS 2 supports the Museum’s mission: “The Denver Museum of Nature & Science inspires curiosity and excites minds of all ages through scientific discovery and the presentation and preservation of the world’s unique treasures.” It also supports the Museum’s vision: “We aspire to create a community of critical thinkers who understand the lessons of the past and act as responsible stewards of the future.” The unique use of authentic specimens teaches lessons about health, disease, physiology, and anatomy in a way that is not possible with constructed models, photos or textbooks.
What review process did the Denver Museum of Nature & Science go through for BODY WORLDS 2?
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is consulting with community leaders in the fields of public health, medicine, ethics, religion, and education to receive advice on the best ways to relate BODY WORLDS 2 to the culturally and socially diverse communities in Colorado. The advisory committee includes representatives from the Archdiocese of Denver, the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Colorado Science Education Network, the Colorado Anatomical Board, Colorado Muslim Society, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, Denver City Council, Denver Public Health, Denver Indian Health and Family Services, Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council, and medical professionals.
Is the Museum advocating or supporting body donation?
The Museum leaves the decision about body donation entirely up to visitors.
Why use real human bodies instead of constructed models?
Real human bodies show the details of disease, physiology, and anatomy that cannot be shown with models. They also allow us to understand how each body has it own unique features, even on the inside. The BODY WORLDS organizers have learned that people are drawn to real specimens versus plastic models. One of the special features of museums and science centers is that they offer people a chance to see the real thing in a safe and informative environment.
Why are the plastinates posed the way they are?
The poses of the plastinates have been carefully considered and serve educational aims. Each plastinate is posed to illustrate different physiological features. For instance, “The Ponderer” is posed to illustrate the body’s neurological system. The athletic poses, for example, the “Skate Boarder” and the “Soccer Player,” 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 his or her own body.
How many plastinates are in the exhibitions?
The BODY WORLDS 2 exhibition presents about 200 individual human specimens including plastinated organs, body parts, transparent slices, corrosion plastinates and more than 20 whole body plastinates. It equals the original BODY WORLDS in size and proportion but presents another generation of specimens, including the “Obesity Revealed” specimen, the “Orthopedic Man,” which demonstrates a variety of surgically implanted orthopedic devices, and an “Ice Skating Couple,” demonstrating each individual’s muscular system and juxtaposing the female and male form.
Why are there not more women plastinates in the exhibits?
Sensitive to perceived community concerns, Dr. Gunther von Hagens did not want to appear voyeuristic in revealing too many female bodies. He sees himself in the tradition of Renaissance anatomists, whose works traditionally included far more masculine than feminine bodies, since all but the reproductive systems are essentially the same. The musculature of male bodies is generally more pronounced and illustrates more aspects of the muscle system. The organs on display come primarily from the female body donors. However, since opening the exhibition, Dr. Gunther von Hagens has received numerous requests from women visitors to see more examples of female anatomy. Based on this, Dr. Gunther von Hagens has included more female plastinates in BODY WORLDS 2.
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. The one exception is an area of the exhibition where visitors have the option of touching a select group of plastinated organs to better understand both human anatomy and the process of plastination.
What is the difference between BODY WORLDS and BODY WORLDS 2?
BODY WORLDS 2 equals BODY WORLDS in size and proportion, comprising 15,000 square feet, and about 200 plastinated real human body specimens, including more than 20 whole bodies, healthy and unhealthy organs, body parts and slices. Dr. Gunther Von Hagens, creator of the exhibitions and inventor of the plastination technique, has designed BODY WORLDS 2 to reveal significant insights about human anatomy, physiology and health, presenting an unprecedented view of the structure and function of the human body and offering an unforgettable lesson on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
When will tickets go on sale and will there be extended hours? The Museum will offer extended hours during the run of the show to meet popular demand. Advance online ticket sales (for members and the general public) begins January 15, 2006, at www.dmns.org. On-site ticket sales begin March 1, 2006. Visitors will also have the option of adding an audio tour and the sports-related IMAX® film Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France to the experience.
How can I support the exhibition as a volunteer?
To support the upcoming exhibition as a volunteer, call 303.370.6419 or e-mail volunteers@dmns.org.
Is the exhibition wheelchair accessible?
The Museum and Body Worlds 2 are fully accessible by wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available free of charge, in limited numbers (first-come, first-served) and can be picked up at the Museum entrance.
Can I take photographs or film in the exhibition?
Photography and filming are not allowed in BODY WORLDS 2, except by accredited members of the media. We thank you for your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
