For the first time, Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ internationally acclaimed exhibition Body Worlds has arrived in Sydney and it’s well worth the wait.
Here is a quick snapshot of what is in store for visitors to this eye-opening event that has human specimens on display which come from the Institute for Plastination body donation programme.
The exhibition, stationed at Sydney’s iconic Town Hall building, will give Australians young and old the chance to see the intricate workings of the body’s interior through the visual display of donated human specimens.
This is the only exhibition of real human bodies with its own established and ethically reviewed donor programme based in Heidelberg, Germany. More than 150 anatomical specimens – all donated for the benefit of public education and exhibition – have gone through a meticulous process of ‘plastination’. The resultant specimens illustrate how lifestyle decisions impact the wellbeing and health of our body.
“Through plastination I could present the body in a memorable and beautiful way so that people could learn about anatomy, disease and health. I’ve seen visitors ditch their cigarette packs at the sight of a smoker’s lung – and to me this is proof that I am accomplishing what I set out to achieve. Overall, I would say that people are fascinated to see the body in this way and I hope this exhibition allows people to see how truly exceptional life is,” says physician and conceptual designer Dr Angelina Whalley.
On display since 1995, Body Worlds has attracted more than 47 million visitors in more than 130 cities across America, Africa, and Asia, Australasia and Europe. XPO Events’ Managing Director, Brent Spillane expects Sydney’s interest levels to match those of other host nations.
“A chance to marvel at what lies beneath the skin, the exhibition explores how everything we do – exercise, diet, smoking – impacts our bodies. Two thirds of global visitors walk away making positive changes to their own health and wellbeing, so we hope to influence similar positive change with many 1000s of event goers at home,” Spillane said.
