FAQ

BODY WORLDS: The Happiness Project is part of the world-famous exhibitions BODY WORLDS: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies. These are worldwide exhibitions where real plastinated human bodies can be seen. Human bodies that have been treated in a special way so that the dissolution process is prevented. The plastination method was invented in 1977 by the German anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens.

Plastination is a method in which the tissue fluid is replaced by reaction plastics such as silicone rubber with the aid of a special vacuum process. The decomposition and desiccation process is thus completely terminated. The patented plastination method makes it possible to view the inside of the human body in a unique way.

The exhibited pieces in the BODY WORLDS exhibitions all come from the donor program. People can sign up for this. They then indicate that their body, after death, may be used for medical science and education. Most of the whole bodies come from this donor program. Only a few organs, fetuses and specific preparations that have noticeable deviations come from old anatomical collections and institutes. It has been agreed with the donors that their identity and cause of death will not be made public. The exhibitions focus on the nature of the bodies and not on personal information. Currently, there are 13,000 registered donors in the Body Donation Program.

The exhibitions of Gunter von Hägens aim to inform a broad public about the functioning of the human body. By means of the plastinates, the public gets an insight into the functioning of organs, the development of diseases and the effects that certain actions have on human health. With this BODY WORLDS wants to arouse the interest in anatomy and psychology, increase knowledge and encourage people to live healthier.

The position of the plastinates has been determined with great care and serves an educational purpose. The bodies that are in an athletic position, for example, clearly show what the muscles do during exercise. The positions have been chosen to show the anatomy of the human body even better.

It is not allowed to touch the exhibited bodies.

Before the opening of the American premiere of BODY WORLDS, a committee consisting of theologians, ethicists, academics and medical experts has extensively discussed the ethical issues that come with these exhibitions. Led by the Californian Science Center in Los Angeles, an 'Ethics Review of the origins of bodies in BODY WORLDS' was written based on this consultation.

The exhibition BODY WORLDS: The Happiness Project can be seen permanently in Amsterdam.

There are no age limits for a visit to the exhibition for children or young people who are accompanied by educators. We do advise to prepare the children for the visit. Parents and teachers must decide for themselves whether the children and young people in their care are adequately prepared for the BODY WORLDS exhibition visit. 

It is not allowed to eat or drink during your visit to BODY WORLDS: The Happiness Project.