Frequently Asked Questions

What is BODY WORLDS?
Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS is a first-of-its-kind exhibit, where visitors learn about anatomy, physiology and health by viewing real human bodies, preserved through Plastination—a groundbreaking method for specimen preservation invented by Dr. von Hagens in 1977. Since its American debut at the Science Center in 2004, von Hagens has developed three BODY WORLDS exhibits for tour to meet the growing demand. The BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart features over 200 authentic human specimens including whole body plastinates not seen before in California, organs, translucent body slices, and for the first time—a special presentation on the heart.

What is the purpose of these exhibits?
Through these exhibits, we feel guests will gain profound insights into the structure and function of healthy and unhealthy bodies, in a way that, is not possible elsewhere on such a comprehensive scale. It nicely complements our existing World of Life exhibit that looks at the life processes of all living things. The mission of the Science Center is to stimulate curiosity and science learning; and we feel BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart  will help us do just that.

Why does the public need to see these exhibits?
We believe that when people understand more about how the body works and how it can break down, they become more involved in taking better care of themselves to sustain their good health. Also, we hope it will inspire visitors to learn more about the life sciences. Knowledge about what the human body looks like and how it functions is basic life science information that should be available to everyone.

Why use real human bodies instead of constructed models?
Real human bodies show the details of disease, physiology and anatomy that cannot be shown with models. They also allow us to understand how each body has it own unique features, even on the inside. Finally, we have learned in the Science Center how visitors are drawn to real specimens in a way that they are not to plastic models. One of the special features of museums and science centers is that they offer people a chance to see the real thing in a safe and informative environment.

What are these exhibits doing at the Science Center?
BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart supports the educational mission of the Science Center and supports our life science exhibits in the World of Life. The unique use of authentic specimens teaches lessons about health, disease, physiology and anatomy in a way that is not possible with constructed models, photos or textbooks.

What review process did the Science Center go through when considering these exhibits?
When first considering BODY WORLDS, the Science Center conducted the most extensive review it has ever done for any exhibit. We established an Ethics Advisory Committee made up of diverse voices in our community. They helped us verify that the body specimens available for each BODY WORLDS exhibit were properly acquired through body donations. They also reviewed the ethical issues and helped us address community sensitivities concerning the exhibits. The committee determined that the exhibits have considerable educational value, and that they are highly appropriate for the Science Center. They also made several recommendations that helped us develop more educational and appealing exhibits. We also conducted a survey of our Science Center visitors. Their positive interest in the exhibits and specific suggestions were very helpful in developing the presentation.

Why did the Science Center choose BODY WORLDS and not another human anatomy exhibit?
The BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart exhibit stands apart in many ways. Unlike other “copycat exhibits,” BODY WORLDS body specimens were properly acquired through body donations. It was imperative for the Science Center to know the origin of the bodies and to see donor consent documentation verifying specimens were properly donated for the purpose of public exhibition. The Science Center chose BODY WORLDS because Dr. von Hagens is one of the most respected anatomists in the scientific community and BODY WORLDS contains by far the best anatomical exhibits ever produced.

Is the Science Center advocating or supporting plastination?
The Science Center leaves the decision about plastination or body donation entirely up to visitors of the exhibitions.

Are the exhibits appropriate for children?
The Science Center requires adult guidance for children under 13. There may be displays in the exhibits that a parent may wish to explain to their children. We also provide a handout with helpful tips for adults visiting the exhibits with children. The handout is available at the ticket window and can also be accessed online.

Why are the plastinates posed the way they are?
The poses of the plastinates have been carefully thought out and serve educational aims. Each plastinate is posed to illustrate different physiological features. For instance, the athletic poses illustrate the use of muscle systems while playing sports. The poses are chosen to highlight specific anatomical features and allow the visitor to relate the plastinate to his or her own body.

How many plastinates are in the exhibitions?
The BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart exhibition presents about 200 individual plastinates, including whole body plastinates not seen before in California, plastinated organs, body parts, transparent body slices, and for the first time – a special presentation on the heart

Why aren't there more women plastinates in the exhibits?
Sensitive to perceived community concerns, Dr. von Hagens did not want to appear voyeuristic in revealing too many female bodies. He sees himself in the tradition of Renaissance anatomists, whose works traditionally included far more masculine than feminine bodies, since all but the reproductive systems are essentially the same. The musculature of male bodies is generally more pronounced and illustrates more aspects of the muscle system.

The organs on display come primarily from the female body donors. However, since opening the first exhibit, Dr. von Hagens has received numerous requests from women visitors to see more examples of female anatomy. Based on this, Dr. von Hagens has included more female plastinates for BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart.

Where did the bodies and body parts come from?
The plastinates came from body donors, individuals who during their life bequeathed that when they died, their bodies would be used for public education. Some of the donors requested that their organs be donated for medical transplants, which was done, before the bodies came to the Institute for Plastination. The fetal displays and some body organs came from a number of old European university collections; many of these predate the 20th century.

If these exhibits are so educational, why aren't they free?
The Science Center is a not-for-profit institution. Permanent exhibits in the Science Center are free, but sometimes we must charge for traveling exhibitions like BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart. Revenues from ticket sales pay for the expenses involved in presenting the exhibit and go to support further educational and exhibit programs of the Science Center.

Can I take photographs or film in the exhibits?
Unfortunately, photography and filming are not allowed in the exhibitions, except for credentialed media. We thank you for your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Are the exhibitions accessible to people with disabilities?
BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart are fully accessible by wheelchair. For further information about borrowing a wheelchair, or more specific questions relating to disabilities, please contact our information line on (213) 744-7540.

Where are the exhibitions going after California?
For further tour dates of BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart, please visit www.bodyworlds.com.

Where can I find a BODY WORLDS catalogue or other BODY WORLDS merchandise?
You can visit the gift store on the third floor of the California Science Center, or visit www.bodyworldshop.com to order online.