The Exhibit

Throughout the ages, scholars and students have strived to understand how our bodies function through exploration of real human specimens. The revolutionary process of Plastination, invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, allows human specimens to be presented in a completely new and enlightening way. Donors who bequeathed during their lifetime that their bodies should be used for the education of lay people have made this exhibit possible.

Vital presents a special collection of specimens designed to show visitors the essentials for human health and wellness. The exhibition includes whole-body plastinates, a large arrangement of individual organs, organ and arterial configurations and translucent slices that give a complete picture of how the human body works.

Vital tells the fascinating story how to best fight, manage and prevent life-threatening diseases -- such as cancer, diabetes, and heart ailments -- through healthy choices and lifestyle changes.  Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS exhibitions are the original anatomical exhibitions of real human bodies. They display authentic human bodies, willed by donors and preserved through plastination. The series is designed to educate the public about the human body and increase health awareness.

BODY WORLDS is a unique joint work in science—a collaboration between anatomist, donors and visitors, and is the only exhibition of donor bodies. More than 36 million visitors around the world have experienced the BODY WORLDS exhibitions.

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