The Original Body Worlds Exhibition

Australians to join millions worldwide to see the original and only human anatomy exhibit from an established body donation program

'Every once in a while, you get the chance to experience something so deeply moving that it has the potential to change your life…this exhibition offers one of those moments," explains Dr. Angelina Whalley, physician, conceptual designer and curator of BODY WORLDS Vital.

Starting 13th August, the original exhibition featuring donated real human bodies is arriving in Melbourne, marking its first ever presentation in Australia. Created by the inventor of Plastination, anatomist and scientist Dr. Gunther von Hagens, BODY WOLRDS is often imitated, but unequalled in quality, ethics and success.

Unlike other anatomical exhibitions, specimens on display in BODY WORLDS Vital stem from an established body donation program that relies on donor consent. BODY WORLDS exhibitions are the only exhibitions to rely on an established body donation program, vigorously reviewed by many international museum institutions. To date, more than 17,000 donors around the world have bequeathed their bodies to Dr. von Hagens' Institute for Plastination, including 14 Australians.

BODY WORLDS Vital features more than 150 extraordinary real specimens from full body plastinates to individual organs and transparent body slices to demonstrate the complexity, resilience and vulnerability of the human body in distress, disease and optimal health. It gives Australians young and old alike the opportunity to see the intricate workings of the body's interior and illustrates how lifestyle decisions impact the wellbeing and health of our body.

Dr. Whalley adds, '"BODY WORLDS Vital celebrates the living human body in its optimal state"healthy, vibrant, vigorous, and in motion. To see the exhibition is to be moved, inspired and struck by the miracles of the human body that we take for granted every day."

BODY WORLDS Vital is one of ten exhibitions in the BODY WORLDS series which, globally, have been seen by more than 46 million people in 130 cities across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and most recently Oceania. The exhibit comes to Melbourne from a hugely successful launch in New Zealand – where more than 80,000 people have visited, including more than 12,000 children – many from organised school tours supported by Life Education Trust. The exhibition is an educational eye opener.

XPO Events' Managing Director, Brent Spillane says it's been a two-year journey to bring the exhibition to Oceania and expects the interest levels in Australia to match those of other host nations.

'BODY WORLDS offers visitors a chance to marvel at what lies beneath the skin. The exhibition explores how everything we do – exercise, diet, smoking – impacts our bodies. More than two thirds of global visitors who were surveyed resolve to pay more attention to their physical health after seeing the exhibitions and we hope to influence similar positive change with many thousands of Victorians," stated Spillane.

Highlights of BODY WORLDS Vital:
Interactive elements include the "Anatomical Mirror", where visitors will see how vital organs are positioned in their own body.
A documentary photo display showcases longevity and healthy ageing, while another details how people around the world fuel their bodies.
Training Areas include "Save your Spine" offering ergonomic tips to help keep your body in alignment.
Understanding Brain Health: Diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are explored through detailed specimens, brain scans, an exploratory video and more.
Health and Disease Revealed: Healthy organs are shown in direct comparison with diseased organs, to reveal the physical impact of disease on the body systems and organs.
Infographics: A series of informative and easy to read information graphics are designed to give visitors insights to various diseases and conditions that affect the various systems of the body.

Tickets for the Melbourne presentation of BODY WORLDS Vital are on sale beginning 6th July 2018.
The exhibition will also be open throughout the Royal Melbourne Show.
Exhibition dates: 13th August – 18th November 2018
Location: Melbourne Showgrounds, Agricultural Hall 10, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale