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Developed by Dr Gunther von Hagens, inventor of Plastination, and curated by physician and designer Dr Angelina Whalley, BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness offers a unique exploration of the human body, emotions, and what it means to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Having drawn more than 57 million visitors in over 170 cities worldwide, BODY WORLDS presents human specimens donated and preserved through the groundbreaking plastination process. This unique act of donation for the purpose of public education in health and science allows the exhibition to present the human anatomy with authenticity and emotional depth.
The exhibition offers science-backed insight into how emotions such as joy, love, fear, and stress visibly manifest in the body and affect long-term health. It invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on their lives, their choices, and their capacity for resilience and wellbeing.
The experience includes:
- Exhibits of the human body, shown in motion and at rest, illustrating the complexity and resilience of the human form
- Understanding brain health, where diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are explored through plastinates, brain scans, and multimedia presentations
- Side-by-side displays of healthy and diseased organs, revealing the profound impact of lifestyle and emotional wellbeing
- Interactive elements including the Anatomical Mirror, where guests can visualise where vital organs are positioned in their own body
- A documentary photo series, 100 Years of Life, showcasing longevity and healthy ageing
- Save Your Spine display, offering ergonomic advice for everyday movement
- Infographics and health insights throughout the exhibition providing accessible, research-based information
“Through plastination, we’re able to present the human body in a memorable and beautiful way so that people can learn about anatomy, disease, and mental health,” said Dr Angelina Whalley.
“What it uncovers is truly fascinating, and we’ve seen visitors around the world leave with a new motivation to live more consciously.”
Visitors are invited on a fascinating journey into the anatomy of happiness – how our choices, emotions, and environment shape both mental and physical health.
All specimens displayed in BODY WORLDS have been gifted by donors to be used for scientific purposes and to increase public awareness of medicine, health, and fitness.
Official BODY WORLDS exhibitions are the only ones to rely on an established body donation program. To date, more than 23,000 donors around the world (including Australia) have bequeathed their bodies to Dr von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination after death.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit here
