‘Body Worlds: Vital‘ officially returned to the Franklin Institute last weekend.
The 16,000 square foot groundbreaking showcase features a collection of real human specimens—including 20 whole-body plastinates, all preserved through Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ plastination process.
“Body Worlds has proven to be one of the most popular and impactful exhibitions in The Franklin Institute’s history, delivering massive and enduring appeal,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute in a statement. “The exhibit invites meaningful conversations about what makes us human, from our physical form to our emotional experiences, delivering an unforgettable and thought-provoking journey.”
Philadelphians who wander through the exhibition will be able to check out figures like “The Skateboarder” and “The Guitar Player”, among 150 additional specimens on view. As a release notes, enhanced with engaging media experiences, these vivid displays reveal the body’s complexity, resilience, and vulnerability, promoting “a deeper understanding of the human body’s ability to thrive under optimal conditions and its challenges during illness.”
‘Body Worlds‘ first appeared at the Franklin Institute through the East Coast debut of the original exhibit in 2005 (which drew a record-breaking crowd of over 600,000 visitors.)
‘Body Worlds: Vital’ joins The Franklin Institute’s new ‘Body Odyssey’ exhibit. ‘Odyssey’ is an 8500-square-foot exhibit that features larger-than-life installations, ultramodern simulations, and transportive experiences designed for collaboration and synchronization across three distinct areas: biological systems, biotech innovation, and personal health.
As the Institute says: Together, these exhibits provide a comprehensive journey into the science of being human—from the intricate workings of our internal systems to the lifestyle choices that shape our health and well-being.
The exhibit will be presented in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and The Mandell Center at the FI (222 N 20th St.) through Sept. 1. Tickets ($20) are now on sale at fi.edu
