Whoever said "beauty is only skin deep," never saw Gunther von Hagens' exhibit, "Body Worlds."
Using a groundbreaking method of preservation called plastination, the world-renowned exhibit examines the inner workings of the human body beneath the skin.
Featuring more than 200 authentic organs and 25 whole-body specimens, "Body Worlds 3" explores anatomy, physiology and health with dramatic poses and side-by-side comparisons of healthy and diseased organs.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland is hosting the Pacific Northwest debut of "Body Worlds 3," running June 7-Oct. 7. Advance tickets will be available to the general public Thursday.
Developed by von Hagens in 1977, plastination is a method that replaces the body's water and soluble fats with resins and polymers. Plastination deprives bacteria of what they need to survive, thereby halting the decomposition process.
The specimens on display were donated by individuals who bequeathed that, upon their death, their bodies could be used for educational purposes in the exhibitions. Over 6,800 living and 400 deceased body donations have been made to von Hagens' Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg, Germany.
According to the Web site, "'Body Worlds 3' is the culmination of von Hagens' 30-year career in anatomy and captures the evolution and refinement of his invention to its outer limits."
Said OMSI President Nancy Stueber in a press release, "In this one-of-a-kind exhibition, our guests will encounter both the resilience and fragility of the human body. They will discover how a body works when it is healthy and how it breaks down when it is not. We hope the exhibit sparks thoughtful conversations about what it means to be human, and inspires visitors to learn more about their health."
Due to the sensitive nature of the exhibit, parental discretion is advised. OMSI requests that a responsible adult, parent, guardian or school chaperone accompany children under the age of 12.
"Body Worlds 3" features a "timed ticket" system; visitors are admitted into the exhibit at 15 minute intervals. Tickets are valid only for a specified date and time. A limited number of walk-up tickets may be available, so advance tickets are strongly recommended. Most people spend at least 1 1/2 hours exploring the exhibit.
Ticket prices (includes museum admission) are $21 for adults, $17.50 for students and seniors and $15 for children ages 3-18.
For tickets and more information, contact 503-797-4000 or visit www.omsi.edu. For more information about "Body Worlds," visit www.bodyworlds.com.
