BODY WORLDS 4 at Museum of Science and Industry until 17th August

In Museums

Archived: This event was in 2008.

BODY WORLDS 4, the latest groundbreaking exhibition of real human bodies from anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens, is to have its world premiere at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester.

BODY WORLDS 4 is the culmination of the German scientist and physician’s 30 year career in anatomy and the latest technical achievements and refinements in the science of Plastination. With over 200 specimens, including around 20 whole body specimens (all of which come from people who donated their bodies for Plastination during their lifetime), the exhibition explores the effects of widespread problems such as obesity or smoking on the human body as well as giving visitors the chance to see the complex and completely interconnected network of muscles, tendons and blood vessels that make up the body.

Dr. von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS is the most highly attended touring exhibition in the world, attracting over 25 million visitors. Dr. von Hagens discovered the technique of Plastination in 1977 during is time as a researcher at the University of Heidelberg’s Anatomy and Pathology Department. In Plastination, bodily fluids and soluble fats are extracted from a specimen and replaced with reactive resins and elastomers such as silicon rubber. The specimen is positioned for optimal teaching value and then cured with light, heat or certain gases which gives it rigidity and permanence.

Since von Hagens discovered the technique, Plastination has become a valuable teaching tool for medical students. It was not until the first BODY WORLDS exhibition opened in Japan in 1995 that the technique came to the attention of the public and the worldwide media. Since then, the exhibition has attracted controversy over its presentation of real human bodies (including, famously, a pregnant woman and her foetus).

However, the exhibition continues to draw record-breaking numbers of visitors wanting to learn the secrets of the human body. As well as the specimens on show, BODY WORLDS 4 is accompanied by a rolling programme of lectures, workshops and school classroom activities run by the Museum of Science and Industry which will explore the issues surrounding the exhibition including healthy living, anatomy and the ethics of Plastination.

22nd February to 17th August 2008

Weekdays: £10 / £7

Weekends: £11.50 / £8.50

Discounts available for groups.

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