Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers!)

BODY WORLDS 3

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What is BODY WORLDS?

BODY WORLDS is a first-of-its-kind exhibit where visitors learn about anatomy, physiology and health by viewing real human bodies. The bodies are preserved through plastination, which is a groundbreaking method for specimen preservation invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977. BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart features more than 200 authentic human specimens including whole body plastinates, organs, translucent body slices, and a special presentation on the heart.

What is the point of this exhibit?

Through these exhibits, we think that visitors will gain profound insights into the structure and function of healthy and unhealthy bodies in a way that is not possible elsewhere on such a comprehensive scale. BODY WORLDS 3 will stimulate curiosity and interest in science learning. Supplemental programming by The Leonardo will provide new and creative perspectives on this topic as well.

What’s the point of the bodies?
Why does the public need to see this exhibit?

The bodies are meant to teach visitors about their own bodies. When people understand more about how their bodies work and how they can break down, they are empowered to take a more active role in their own health choices.

How are they made?

The specimens in BODY WORLDS are created from a process called plastination, where the fluids in the body are replaced with chemicals that harden and preserve the body. Check here for more information about plastination.

What is plastination?

Plastination is a process invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in Germany in the late 1970s. It replaces the fluids of the body with acetone, a preserving agent that is then vacuum pumped out of the body tissue and replaced with polymers. The polymer compounds are then cured to hardness with certain gases, lights or heat, while the plastinates are posed.

Are they real bodies?

Yes, the specimens in BODY WORLDS are formed from real human bodies.

Why are they real human bodies?
Why not use models of other materials?

Real human bodies show the details of disease, physiology and anatomy that cannot be shown with models. They also allow us to understand how each body has its own unique features, even on the inside. Visitors are drawn to real specimens in a way that they are not to plastic models.

Are they gross?

The specimens have been through a lengthy preparation process that ensures they do not have an odor or liquid left in the body.

What do they look like?

The BODY WORLDS plastinates are as life-like as possible through current preservation techniques. They look as you would look without your skin!

Where do the bodies come from?

The specimens in the BODY WORLDS exhibition come from the Institute for Plastination’s body-donor program. The body donation program was established by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1983, shortly after he invented plastination. The program is now managed by Dr. von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg, Germany. All donors are adults who gave their consent, during their lifetimes, to use their bodies for plastination and specifically for the BODY WORLDS exhibits. Independent ethicists have reviewed the Institute for Plastination’s donor program and protocols and verified that the specimens were properly donated for the purpose of public exhibition. The Institute for Plastination has more than 8,000 donors on its roster, and nearly 800 of them are Americans.

I’ve heard about other body exhibits. Why is The Leonardo hosting this one?

The BODY WORLDS exhibits stand apart in many ways. Unlike other “copycat exhibits,” BODY WORLDS’ specimens were properly acquired through body donations. It was imperative for The Leonardo to know the origin of the bodies and to see donor sent documentation verifying that specimens were properly donated for the purpose of public exhibition. The BODY WORLDS exhibits are unparalleled in quality and refinement and were created by the inventor of plastination, Dr. Gunther von Hagens. The Leonardo chose BODY WORLDS because Dr. von Hagens is one of the most respected anatomists in the scientific community and BODY WORLDS contains by far the best anatomical exhibits ever produced.

Why are they posed like that?

The plastinates are posed to emphasize certain systems of the body. Athletic poses highlight specific muscle groups in the body, and organs may be arranged so that visitors can see their relationships to the rest of the body.

Why aren’t they wearing clothes?

The plastinates are posed without clothing and skin to give the best teaching opportunity for visitors to see the inside of the human body.

Are they life size?

Since the specimens come from human donors, they are fully life size. Everything is to scale.

What kinds of things do people learn from the exhibit?

Many people gain a greater appreciation for their own bodies—the intricacies and needs of their muscles, respiratory systems, circulatory system and so forth. Others learn about the differences between healthy and diseased organs, and still others are able to see the interdependence of the body’s systems. Many visitors come away from the experience with a greater appreciation for their bodies, and a strong commitment to taking care of them.

Will the exhibit make sense to someone without medical training?

BODY WORLDS is designed for all visitors, regardless of their medical training levels. We especially welcome visitors from medical and health fields, and we welcome their expertise in viewing and interpreting the BODY WORLDS specimens.

Can I donate my body to BODY WORLDS?

Yes. Donor information cards will be available at the end of the exhibit. You may also find more information about body donation at www.bodyworlds.com.

Do I have to donate if I want to see the exhibit?

No! It is enough for us to know that you have enjoyed your experience at BODY WORLDS. No donations necessary.

The Leonardo

What is The Leonardo?

The Leonardo is Utah’s first science-art museum where young people and adults can explore the world from new perspectives.

Where is The Leonardo?

The Leonardo is located at 209 East 500 South in downtown Salt Lake City. The museum is in the old library building on the south side of Library Square.

Why haven’t I heard about The Leonardo before?

The Leonardo is a new museum that is still under development and will officially open in a few years. Although it is not up and running yet, The Leonardo is able to bring BODY WORLDS into the museum before it begins building renovations.

Where did The Leonardo come from?

When the new downtown library was built, Salt Lake City asked groups to submit ideas on new ways to use the old library building. The city selected three groups to move into the building. These groups formed The Leonardo.

Why isn’t it open yet?

The Leonardo is still raising funds to cover building renovations and exhibit build-out. Current plans call for building renovations to begin early next spring.

What does The Leonardo offer currently?

Besides BODY WORLDS 3 & The Story of the Heart, The Leonardo has an educational outreach program called The Leonardo on Wheels-Science, which travels to junior high schools across Utah. The Leonardo also offers a public dialog series, community workshops, and other events. Check www.theleonardo.org for regular updates.

Why is The Leonardo hosting BODY WORLDS?

The Leonardo offers visitors opportunities to experience topics from the perspectives of science and art. BODY WORLDS supports this mission. The unique and artistic use of authentic specimens teaches visitors about health, disease, physiology and anatomy in a way that is not possible with constructed models, photos or textbooks.

What does BODY WORLDS have to do with art?

Although BODY WORLDS is obviously scientific and was created by one of the world’s leading anatomists, many visitors leave the exhibit with a new understanding of the human body as an intricate, beautiful work of art. To enhance visitors’ ability to access the science of the exhibit through art, The Leonardo also will offer additional experiences such as sketch sessions for art students, dance performances and a series of relevant films.

I've been reading about The Leonardo's talks with Salt Lake City. What's that about, and how will it affect the exhibit?

The Leonardo has been working with the city to release the $10 million bond and finalize renovation plans for the building. The discussions are ongoing and will not have any impact on the exhibit. The council and mayor are extremely supportive of BODY WORLDS 3 coming to The Leonardo.

What's next for The Leonardo?

The Leonardo is currently discussing its new plan for a phased opening with the city. More information will be available once these plans are finalized.

Visitor Information

Where can I park?

Pay parking is available under the city library. The public entrance is on 400 South. Metered street parking is also available. However, we greatly encourage visitors to take public transportation; The Leonardo is one block south of the “library” stop on the University TRAX line. Check our transportation section for more information.

Can I take bags into the exhibit?

Small purses and bags are permitted in the exhibit. We kindly ask that you leave backpacks, large bags and camera bags in your car, or you can pay a small fee to leave them at coat check.

Why can’t I take pictures inside BODY WORLDS?

Only accredited members of the media are permitted to photograph within the exhibit—and even then, they are limited in what they are permitted to do. Out of respect for the body donors and to maintain a reverent atmosphere in the exhibit for all visitors, photography is not permitted by visitors.

Is there food at the exhibit?

The Leonardo does not permit food or drinks–even water–inside the exhibit. We invite you to enjoy our museum café just outside the end of the exhibit. The café can also be accessed at the beginning of your visit—just ask our friendly floor staff to point you in the right direction.

Can I bring my kids to BODY WORLDS?

The Leonardo encourages visitors of all ages to enjoy BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart. However, we would like to parents and educators to be aware that the exhibit may not be suitable for all ages. Please review our content advisory and family guide.