BODY WORLDS: Explore Anatomy, Health & Wellbeing in Melbourne | ANMJ
A new exhibition, BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness, opened in Melbourne today, March 4, 2026, offering a unique look at the human body and its connection to wellbeing. The exhibition features plastinated human specimens, a process invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, and is curated by physician and designer Dr. Angelina Whalley.
BODY WORLDS has drawn over 57 million visitors across more than 170 cities worldwide. The exhibition utilizes plastination, a technique where fats and water in the body are replaced with polymers, allowing for long-term preservation and detailed anatomical study. Donors bequeath their bodies to Dr. Von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination for the purpose of public education in health and science, with over 23,000 donors worldwide, including Australians, having made this commitment.
The exhibition aims to explore the interplay between emotions and physical health, presenting science-backed insights into how feelings like joy, love, fear, and stress manifest within the body and impact long-term wellbeing. Displays include exhibits of the human body in motion and at rest, showcasing the complexity of human anatomy. Visitors can also explore brain health, with exhibits detailing diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s through plastinates, brain scans, and multimedia presentations.
Interactive elements are also featured, including the Anatomical Mirror, which allows visitors to visualize the positioning of their own internal organs. A documentary photo series, “100 Years of Life,” showcases examples of longevity and healthy aging. The exhibition also includes a “Save Your Spine” display offering ergonomic advice for everyday movement, and infographics providing accessible health information.
“Through plastination, we’re able to present the human body in a memorable and beautiful way so that people can learn about anatomy, disease, and mental health,” said Dr. Whalley. “What it uncovers is truly fascinating, and we’ve seen visitors around the world depart with a new motivation to live more consciously.”
The BODY WORLDS exhibitions have not been without controversy, stemming from the use of human remains and questions surrounding the consent and origins of the bodies on display. Dr. Von Hagens’ function has been both praised for its educational value and criticized for its potential to be exploitative. The exhibition relies on an established body donation program, differentiating it from other displays of human remains.