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Hey everyone, have you heard of the Body Worlds exhibition? These exhibitions showcase the human body in a way you won't find anywhere else. I had the chance to visit one of these exhibitions at the Natural History Museum in Vienna when I was 8 years old. This year, the exhibition returned to Vienna, and I went again—this time with my girlfriend by my side.

What exactly are Body Worlds?

These exhibitions feature real human bodies and organs that have been preserved using a special technique called plastination. This method was developed by the German anatomist Gunther von Hagens. The first ideas for Body Worlds originated in the 1970s when Gunther von Hagens began exploring the plastination technique. This process removes water and fat from the bodies and replaces them with plastics. As a result, the bodies are so stable that they can be displayed for years. The first official exhibition took place in 1995 in Japan and was a great success. Since then, there have been numerous exhibitions around the world.

Why should you visit Body Worlds?

Aside from the fact that it's simply fascinating to view the human body in this way, it’s also a great learning experience. Personally, I’ve been interested in human anatomy more than ever since my time in emergency services, and here you can see real organs and bodies up close. There are certainly people who find the whole thing distasteful, but keep in mind: The bodies were donated by individuals for medical research, and they explicitly gave their consent. The organizers of the exhibition also place great importance on treating all bodies with respect.

Closing Words

I personally consider the option of body donation for medical purposes and exhibitions like Body Worlds to be a meaningful and valuable choice. Compared to other burial methods, this option can yield valuable insights.

Especially for children and adults who want to learn more about their anatomy and health, Body Worlds exhibitions are a unique opportunity. If you have the chance to visit a Body Worlds exhibition near you, I highly recommend seizing the opportunity to educate and inspire yourself.