Body Worlds Vital Exhibition Launches
The first of its kind, globally renowned exhibition featuring real human bodies has just landed in Sydney Town Hall. The original Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS Vital is set to be an educational eye-opener.
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.
BODY WORLDS 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.
The BODY WORLDS exhibitions were founded by anatomist and scientist Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of the plastination process and Dr. Angelina Whalley, physician and conceptual designer; curating one of the world’s most successful travelling exhibitions since their inception. “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 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.
With more than 30,000 school children having attended on the Austalasian tour so far, BODY WORLDS Vital is positioned to schools as a unique opportunity to educate students on human biology and anatomy, more impressive than any biology textbook. The exhibition will provide a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a real human body to capture children’s understanding and empower them to make positive lifestyle change.
Dates: Monday 3 December 2018 – Sunday 31 March 2019
Venue: Sydney Town Hall (Lower Town Hall – Druitt Street entrance, Sydney CBD)
Tickets: www.bodyworldsvital.com/tickets