BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness at the Science Museum of Virginia gives guests an opportunity to examine what lies beneath – both under the skin and deep in human thought.
Created by Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS & Institute for Plastination based in Germany, the exhibit consists of plastinates, or preserved remains of humans who donated their bodies to the Institute. This version of the exhibit focuses on the interplay between human physical characteristics and happiness in mental health.
Upon entering the exhibit, museum goers watch a short quick-draw style video explaining the individual and their connection with happiness. From there, the basis of the exhibit is explained, and patrons are urged to act reverently throughout the exhibit due to the nature of the displays.
Museum visitors will see human forms in a variety of active postures – doing things they enjoy – such as skateboarding or playing soccer. Placards explain the connection between activity that produce neurotransmitters and hormone releases in the brain spurring mood enhancement.
My eighth grade son enjoyed the numerous quotes about joy and happiness interspersed throughout the rooms from thinkers such as Khalil Gibran, Benjamin Franklin, and the Dalai Lama. There is an enormous amount to learn as one travels through the exhibit. It is reading intensive, and seems best suited for adults, upper middle grade, and high school students.
The Body Worlds exhibit explores how healthy choices help improve happiness and overall well-being throughout each person’s life. We learned of new techniques such as Laughter Yoga to help people experience joy during an otherwise stressful day. Displays also compare the organs of healthy bodies and the organs of bodies exposed to nicotine, for example, clearly showing the damage caused by the chemical. It was also fascinating to see the long length of the intestines. We commented on the tiny form of the appendix considering how much trouble it can cause!
BODY WORLDS Runs Through Sept 2 at the Science Museum of Virginia
Visitors will definitely leave BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness with a better understanding of their bodies. There are four main areas where visitors experience a fuller interaction:
First, a Smile You Are on Camera activity automatically generates a happiness quotient based on facial expressions. Second, a Dance Floor section is placed in front of a large screen. After learning about music and the physical nature of dancing, visitors can hit the floor themselves. The video plays back more slowly than people actually move, making for a fun distortion on the screen. In a third area, three swings are positioned to teach about balance. Lastly, before leaving each person may leave a response indicating something they would like to do before their time ends, leaving a life of no regrets.
Throughout the exhibit, many examples are provided of how different healthy choices people can make will dramatically improve their own well-being at each stage of life. The exhibit’s greatest message is the agency we each have in conquering these decisions daily. When asked, my son told me, “I took away that happiness is not just a destination or feeling, but more of a mindset and way of life. It comes from your actions and what you’re involved in.” This seems to match the exhibit designer’s intent.
The Science Museum admits visitors of any age, but provides an age suggestion of eight years old and up. I cannot express the importance of knowing your own child in this regard. The skinless bodies do have eyes and hair present. These may be visually disturbing depending on your child’s tolerance. The full anatomy is exposed on the bodies. There is also a skinless, plasticine dog which may potentially upset younger visitors. It is imperative to know your child’s level of interest and ability to handle this educational venture. It is certainly a unique look into the physical bodies we inhabit.
BODY WORLDS is available through a combination ticket that includes access to the Science Museum’s regular exhibitions, labs and demos. Admission is $22.50 for adults; $19.50 for youth (ages 6-12) and seniors (ages 60 and older); and $15 for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5).
On a $10 day, admission to Body Worlds is $15 for all guests regardless of ticket category. Guests may purchase tickets on the Science Museum’s website or in person at Guest Services when they arrive.
Discounts are available for teachers, military personnel and through the Museums for All program. Tickets purchased under these discounts must be purchased in person at Guest Services.
PLEASE NOTE: When pre-purchasing Body Worlds tickets through the website, be sure to add regular Science Museum admission to your cart first, then select the add-on ticket for BODY WORLDS. If you try to add just a BODY WORLDS ticket, you will get an error message.
