Are the bodies real?

The most frequently asked question about BODY WORLDS is whether the bodies in the museum are real. The answer is yes, every body you see is a real person! And there is a special technique behind it. The technique was invented by the creator of BODY WORLDS: Dr Gunther von Hagens.

In this blog, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions (which can also be found in the FAQ) to shed some light on the story behind BODY WORLDS!

Are the bodies real?

Yes, all the bodies and body parts you see in BODY WORLDS come from real people. No replicas, no fake models, every body was once a living human being. What you see is the result of a special preservation process called plastination. The bodies are preserved in good condition using plastic.

How does BODY WORLDS obtain the bodies?

The bodies on display have been voluntarily donated to BODY WORLDS through a special donor programme. Since the programme began, thousands of people have voluntarily registered to make their bodies available for educational and scientific research after their death.

These donations are completely legal and are treated with the utmost respect. No bodies are purchased or obtained inappropriately; all donors have given their express consent during their lifetime.

The donation of bodies is handled by the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg, Germany. According to data from January 2025, there are currently more than 22,000 registered donors.

Who are these people?

The people who donate their bodies come from all walks of life. Some do so to contribute to scientific education, others because they want to help increase understanding of the human body. These are not anonymous bodies, they are people who have made a conscious choice to make a difference, even after their death.

A quote from one of the donors: ‘I truly believe that plastination is a gift to the world. Until now, only doctors and surgeons have been able to see the body in its full complexity. You only really appreciate the complexity of your anatomy when you have seen it with your own eyes, and plastination makes that possible.’

What is plastination?

We have mentioned ‘plastination’ and plastinating several times in this blog, but what exactly is it?

Plastination is a groundbreaking preservation technique developed in 1977 by Dr Gunther von Hagens himself. The process replaces the body's fluids and fats with plastics such as silicone rubber or epoxy resin. This keeps the body odourless, dry and stable, perfect for exhibitions and education.

The process consists of several steps:

1. Fixation – The body is treated with formalin to prevent decay.
2. Removal of fat and water – Acetone is used to remove moisture and fat from the body.
3. Impregnation – The body fluids are replaced with plastic in a vacuum.
4. Positioning – The body is placed in a natural or educational position.
5. Curing – The plastic is cured with gas, light or heat.

The result is a body that is preserved down to the smallest detail, from muscles and organs to nerve pathways. This allows us to see what happens under the skin.

Why this exhibition?

The aim of BODY WORLDS is to make people more aware of their own bodies and health. By displaying the human body in a direct, visual way, visitors gain a unique insight into their own anatomy. It is an experience that makes medical knowledge accessible to everyone.

As Dr Gunther von Hagens once said:

‘I want people to appreciate the complexity of the human body – not just from a medical perspective, but also from a philosophical and existential point of view.’

About Dr Gunther von Hagens

Dr von Hagens is a German anatomist and inventor of plastination. His work has attracted both praise and controversy, but one thing is certain: he has changedthe way people look at the human body forever. His life's work revolves around education, transparency and a deep appreciation for the wonder of the human body.

In this interview with Dr Gunther von Hagens, you will learn more about how he came up with his groundbreaking invention.