Oud Sint-Jan, Brugge - BODY WORLDS

Site Oud Sint-Jan proudly presents: BODY WORLDS Körperwelten

Don’t miss this thrilling new exhibition
celebrating the potential of the human body

BODY WORLDS will be on view in the 19^th-century halls of the former city hospital at the Old St. John site (site Oud Sint-Jan), daily from May 3, 2024 until March 9, 2025. After the previous successful BODY WORLDS exhibit that took place eight years ago at the Old St. John site, this new presentation of BODY WORLDS will showcase a unique collection of real, human, plastinated specimens that illustrate the body in health and distress, while highlighting its potential, strength and vitality.

BODY WORLDS is part of the collection of BODY WORLDS exhibitions, the most popular touring exhibitions in the world. Worldwide, the pioneering anatomical exhibitions have fascinated more than 55 million visitors in 160 cities. They are recognized for offering an amazing opportunity to understand anatomy and health, and gaining a new appreciation for what it means to be human.

Visitors will marvel at a collection of human specimens preserved through plastination, a ground-breaking specimen preservation process invented by scientist and anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens. The exhibition has been specially curated by Dr. Angelina Whalley, Co-Creator and Conceptual Designer of BODY WORLDS. It will offer visitors of all ages – including anyone who previously saw the exhibition – a new and fascinating experience.

BODY WORLDS highlights include:

• A varied collection of specimens, including whole-body plastinates, individual organs, organ configurations, translucent slices, blood vessel configurations and stages of development.
• Educational displays will capture the imagination of students of all ages.
• Whole-body plastinates positioned in life-like poses, such as playing sports and lovemaking, to show visitors how our anatomy works in everyday situations.
• Multi-media displays help to explain common health topics and ailments.
• An interactive “Anatomical Mirror” allows visitors to capture their internal reflection in an oversized projection so that they can explore their own  body movements and how they are configured in relation to their internal organs.
• The specimens are available thanks to the Institute for Plastination body donation programme. More than 20,000 donors have bequeathed their bodies to Dr. von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg, Germany after their death.