BODY WORLDS Exhibition Arrives in Melbourne

An exhibition featuring real human specimens preserved through plastination is now on display in Melbourne. The exhibition presents anatomical displays, including full-body plastinates and detailed organ cross-sections, alongside sections on health, longevity, and human biology.

Exhibition Overview and Background

The BODY WORLDS exhibition showcases real human bodies and anatomical specimens preserved using a technique called plastination. The process, developed by anatomist Gunther von Hagens, involves replacing the water and fat in biological tissue with plastics to prevent decay and allow for detailed display.

Exhibition Content and Displays

The exhibition is organized into several thematic areas:

• The exhibition features detailed cross-sections of the human brain, showing both healthy tissue and tissue affected by disease.
• A separate display focuses on the cardiovascular system, presenting the heart as an intricate network of vessels.

The process, developed by anatomist Gunther von Hagens, involves replacing the water and fat in biological tissue with plastics to prevent decay and allow for detailed display.

Specimens are posed in dynamic positions to illustrate anatomy and movement. These include figures titled:

• "The Chess Player"
• "The Basketball Player"
• "The Fencer"
• "The Hurdler"
• "The Ice Hockey Player"

• Displays examine biological systems such as the digestive system and the role of hormones, including dopamine and oxytocin.
• One section explores factors related to health and longevity, featuring insights from individuals over 100 years old.

An installation uses a wall of rice grains to represent sperm cells, with a single red grain marking the one that leads to an individual's conception.

• Quotes from various philosophers, writers, and spiritual traditions are integrated throughout the exhibition.
• At its conclusion, visitors are invited to write a response to the prompt "Before I die, I want to..." on a dedicated wall.

A behind-the-scenes area provides information on the plastination technique used to create the exhibits.