This extraordinary exhibition, which has had 58 million visitors worldwide, explores the effect of happiness on the human body – and it is now open in South Kensington

What is the BODY WORLDS exhibition?

This storied exhibition dates all the way back to 1995. It was first created when German anatomist Dr Gunther Von Hagens invented the process of plastination, which preserves the body and offers a rare look inside the human form.

Since its debut in Tokyo, the exhibition has become the world’s most successful travelling exhibition, with over 58 million visitors to date. The bodies displayed are willingly donated to be used for scientific purposes; there have reportedly been over 23,000 donors around the world who bequeathed bodies to Von Hagens’ institutes. BODY WORLDS is designed to educate the public about anatomy, physiology and health and make basic life science accessible for all.

What can you expect inside BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness in London?

Prepare for an enlightening journey of discovery. This happiness-focused edition of BODY WORLDS features a special collection of human specimens that have been specifically chosen for this exhibition, including whole-body plastinates, organs and transparent slices. You’ll be able to see every detail of the body’s inner workings, from the thin web of blood vessels to the diverse range of sinewed muscles.

Each plastinate is different, with some posed mid-movement – for example, a gymnast flipping backwards on a balance beam – so you can discover how these unique muscle systems work while playing sports. These displays provide unflinching insights into a variety of topics, including disease, brain function, cardiovascular health and even foetal development. Plus, it’s not just the plastinates that show the intricacies of the anatomy; if you’ve ever wondered what might be going on inside your own body, you’ll want to make a stop at the Anatomical Mirror, which lets you see where your organs sit inside you.

In ‘The Anatomy of Happiness’, they shine a light on how joy can transform the body, looking at emotional and physical wellbeing through the lens of anatomical science. Using the latest medical research, interactive displays will reveal which parts of the body are impacted by feelings of happiness, and how factors such as exercise and stress can play a pivotal part in your overall health.

BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness is ideal for anyone with an interest in the fascinating science of emotions, a desire to understand their body, or even just looking to experience something different. Through impactful displays, the exhibition aims to inspire more people to choose healthy and sustainable lifestyles as a result of understanding more about how the body works.