Heidelberg /Germany, September 15, 2025 – Today marks the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking BODY WORLDS exhibition, which opened on September 15, 1995 at the Tokyo National Science Museum in Japan. The exhibition, held in conjunction with the 100th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Anatomical Society, revolutionized the way people experience and understand the human body.
What began as a single exhibition in Tokyo has since grown into a global phenomenon, with over 57 million visitors in 170 cities and 42 countries across six continents. BODY WORLDS has become one of the most successful and influential exhibition concepts in the world.
The success of BODY WORLDS can be attributed to the technique of Plastination, invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens. This revolutionary technique, once only accessible to medical professionals, made it possible for the general public to gain a deeper understanding of the human body.
“Our goal from the beginning was to democratize anatomy and give people the opportunity to learn about and appreciate their own bodies,” explains Dr. von Hagens.
Dr. Angelina Whalley, the exhibition’s curator, has been instrumental in shaping the conceptual design of BODY WORLDS since its inception. “BODY WORLDS has transformed our understanding of the human body and has contributed to a new culture of education about health and life,” she says.
Even after three decades, BODY WORLDS remains relevant and impactful, thanks to its universal subject: the human being. In a world of constant change and technological overstimulation, the exhibition provides a moment of reflection and encourages visitors to take responsibility for their own lives.
Despite initial criticism in its home country of Germany, BODY WORLDS has continued to inspire and transform people’s lives. Today, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to directly engage with their own bodies, promoting health awareness and a deeper understanding of the human form.
The combination of scientific education, personal relevance, and emotional impact has made BODY WORLDS a timeless and meaningful experience for every new generation.
Join us in celebrating 30 years of BODY WORLDS with our anniversary film, available at https://bit.ly/BW_AnniversaryFilm.
For press inquiries, please contact the Institute for Plastination at j.luley@plastination.com or +49 6221 33 11 22.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
