Aaron's Real Opinions (Yikes!)

BODY WORLDS 2

Perhaps the most extraordinary exhibit ever to be seen in Denver now is on display at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.  Entitled, “Body Worlds 2,” the exhibit consists of human bodies and body parts, usually stripped of their skin, and preserved via a process called “plastination.”

Plastination uses a series of chemical processes to extract fluids from the human body (which is almost three-quarters water) and then saturates and coats all tissues -- ranging from organs to bones to the various components of all the systems of the human body -- with a form of clear plastic which preserves the body indefinitely and allows it to be viewed.

The result is a mesmerizing look at all aspects of the human body.  One gets a sense of where organs are located, what they look like, how big they are, what can happen to them when injured or diseased, and how everything fits together.  All major systems can be observed in incredible detail -- the skeletal system, the muscular system, the respiratory system, the circulatory system, the digestive system, the nervous system, and the endocrine and reproductive system.  Nothing is hidden, ignored, excluded or overlooked.  The result is an examination of the human body -- including all its imperfections -- in a manner rarely seen before.

The Body Worlds 2 exhibit is one of three touring the United States right now.  It is not for the faint of heart and is recommended for ages 10 (5th Graders) and up, with those who are younger (ages 10 through 13), best accompanied by adults who can explain more about what they are seeing.

Viewers may be surprised to find how high the liver is located in the chest cavity or how small their lungs actually are.  Dried blood indicates where stroke victims’ brains hemorrhaged.  Smokers’ lungs are distinctly darkened.  One specimen exhibits hexadactyl features (i.e., six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot).  Given the condition of the bodies, it is almost impossible to determine racial or ethnic origins -- creating a universality as a byproduct of the viewing experience.

Body Worlds 2 is an exhibit which allows the viewer to get as close as he or she wants to the specimens and the many separate body parts on display.  You get to view them from almost any angle you want for as long as you want.  There has been nothing quite like Body Worlds 2 in Denver before.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the Body Worlds 2 exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the number of “whole body” specimens which have been preserved.  While the examination of individual body parts and organs allows for the viewer to focus on the specifics of that part or organ or on a particular disease or injury, it is the integration of all the components of the human body which may be the most amazing effect of the entire collection.

This integration is highlighted in three ways.  First, some bodies are positioned in various way commonly known to most viewers -- a dancer, a skier, a skateboarder -- all illustrating how the human body works in some manner known to us.

Second, several specimens are sliced longitudinally and the lengthy sections are lined up with space between each to view.  This creates an effect of being able to perceive an entire body yet follow the progression of systems, organs, and interstitial parts as one moves from one section of the body to another.  It is almost as if a corpse was put through a giant meat-slicer at a delicatessen.  Although that processing image is disturbing, the result is not and, instead, gives the viewer a multidimensional, cross-sectional look at the human body.

Third, a number of specimens are opened up to reveal inner organs.  Some are peeled like a flower.  One body is peeled in a manner where almost half of the otherwise standing person is leaning forward, a set of organs has been separated and is in the center, and the remainder is leaning backwards -- creating an effect of multiple persons where only one existed.  A similar exhibit separates the muscular system from the skeletal system with the latter following the former as if it were its shadow.

One of the most spectacular effects is when body parts or systems are “exploded.”  In one case, an entire body has been exploded.  This latter effect was accomplished by taking an entire human body and attaching wires to every major part and then bringing each part out from the body.  The result is what appears to be hundreds of separate pieces, with each one clearly aligned so the viewer can see where it fits into the whole.  By bringing each part out, however, one can examine that particular part while simultaneously seeing how it is integrated into the body as a whole.  The “exploded” specimens also give the viewer a sense of the complexity of the human body.

The Body Worlds exhibits have been a huge success in every sense of the word.  With multiple exhibits touring the globe, they have captured the imagination of 20 million visitors to date.  At an average ticket price of $12.50, that means these exhibits have generated more than a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue for the exhibitors and the museums who have housed these exhibits.  This is an extraordinary accomplishment.

In Denver, the exhibit is scheduled through July 23rd and is open until 9:00 pm each evening.  It already has had almost a third of a million visitors -- easily 100,000 more than the most optimistic projections for the first half of the exhibition period. 

The educational value of such an exhibit is immeasurable.  The Museum should consider how it could fund a permanent exhibit -- whether or not it uses the techniques from the world leader in the technology for the exhibit, the Plastination Institute.  There are competing touring exhibits using similar technologies.  This is an educational opportunity which should be available throughout every year and which would make the Museum an even bigger regional attraction.

Body Worlds 2 probably has not been controversial in Colorado because the exhibits simply display the human body.  There is no politicization of the material provided or the narratives given in written or audio form.  It is truly a scientifically, fact-based presentation.  (Although there do seem to be some minimum criteria for the male specimens which are used which may make some men feel inadequate!)

One of the most startling exhibits is a succession of preserved embryos and fetuses showing the progression of the development of the human life form from post-conception phases to birth.  By considering the point at which certain development occurs (such as three months or six months into a pregnancy), the viewer gets a sense of what the reproductive rights and abortion debate is all about.  It would be interesting to see if the exhibit alters opinions on either side of this contentious issue.

This is an exhibit which should not be missed.  If you can attend Body Worlds 2 before July 23rd ends, you should.  Even better, if you know a doctor, nurse or anyone familiar with the human body, bring him or her along and you will get an even better explanation of what you are seeing.

Body Worlds 2 is open through July 23rd.  For more information, go to the following location on the Web by clicking on this address:  http://www.dmns.org/main/en/General/Exhibitions/CurrentExhibitions/bodyWorlds.htm

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