Looking for something fun, educational and super cool to do along the Phoenix light rail line? How about checking out the Bodyworlds & the Brain exhibition at the Arizona Science Center? The Bodyworlds and the Brain exhibit will open to the public Friday, January 21 in the Sybil B. Harrington Galleries. The exhibition runs through May 30th, 2011.
“BODY WORLDS & The Brain is now at Arizona Science Center for a limited time. This all-new version of Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ world-famous exhibition looks at the body in a previously unseen way! With over 200 authentic human specimens, and highlights on recent neuroscience findings on brain development, function and disease, it will excite even those guests who visited when we hosted BODY WORLDS 3 in 2007.” – AZ Science Center
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at some of the information for this exhibit and it sounds amazing! The last Bodyworlds exhibit at the AZ Science Center was a huge hit. This Bodyworlds and the Brain exhibit contains a special feature that unravels the mystery of the mind and secret world of the brain. How cool is that!?
From the Arizona Science Center we learn these important FAQ’s:
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE EXHIBITION?
BODY WORLDS aims to educate the public about the inner workings of the human body and show the effects of poor health, good health, and lifestyle choices. It is also presented in the hopes that it will stimulate curiosity about the science of anatomy.
COULDN’T I LEARN JUST AS MUCH FROM BOOKS OR MODELS OF HUMAN ANATOMY?
Real human bodies show the details of disease and anatomy that cannot be shown with models. They also allow us to understand how each body has its own unique features, even on the inside.
WHERE DID THE SPECIMENS ON DISPLAY COME FROM? WILL WE KNOW WHO THE PLASTINATES ARE OR HOW THEY DIED?
The BODY WORLDS exhibitions rely on the generosity of body donors; individuals who bequeathed that, upon their death, their bodies could be used for educational purposes in the exhibition. All of the full-body plastinates and the majority of the specimens are from these body donors; some specific specimens that show unusual conditions and fetuses on display come from old anatomical collections and morphological institutes. As agreed upon by the body donors, their identities and causes of death are not provided. The exhibition focuses on the nature of our bodies, not on providing personal information.
WHAT IS PLASTINATION?
Invented by scientist and anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977, Plastination is the groundbreaking method of halting decomposition and preserving anatomical specimens for scientific and medical education. Plastination is the process of extracting all bodily fluids and soluble fat from specimens, replacing them through vacuum-forced impregnation with reactive resins and elastomers, and then curing them with light, heat, or certain gases, which give the specimens rigidity and permanence.
WILL I BE ABLE TO TOUCH ANY OF THE PLASTINATES?
While visitors are able to get very close to the plastinates, they are not allowed to touch them.
WHY ARE THE PLASTINATES POSED THE WAY THEY ARE?
The poses of the plastinates have been carefully thought out and serve educational aims. Each plastinate is posed to illustrate different anatomical features. For instance, the athletic poses illustrate the use of muscle systems while playing sports. The poses allow visitors to relate the plastinates to their own bodies.
IS THIS EXHIBITION APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN?
More than 32 million people, including young children, have viewed the BODY WORLDS exhibitions around the world. It is important to note that the exhibition includes full-body plastinates with exposed genitals. Children under 17 must be accompanied by responsible adults during their visit.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OR FILM IN THE EXHIBITION?
Photography and filming, including pictures taken with cell phones, are not allowed in BODY WORLDS, except by accredited members of the media.
Make sure to follow the AZ Science Center on Twitter as they often have great updates and info.
BODY WORLDS & The Brain will be open daily 10 a.m. -5 p.m. with special extended hours on weekends, holidays and special events. Admission to BODY WORLDS includes general admission to Arizona Science Center and costs $25 for adults, $20 for children 3-18, $23 for college students with I.D., and seniors 62+. Member pricing is $13 for adults, $10 for children 3-18, and $13 for seniors 62+ and students with I.D. Purchase Bodyworlds tickets online from AZsciencenter.org. Group tickets may be available for 15 or more people. See their site for more info.
If taking the light rail to the AZ Science Center, you will want to exit at the 3rd and Washington and 3rd and Jefferson Street stations. The address of the AZ Science Center is 600 East Washington Street in Phoenix. The light rail map below shows the general area. As you can see, the Science Center is just a block or two from the stations. Remember, the light rail line splits in downtown Phoenix so you will be boarding at different stations when you arrive and when you leave the Science Center. Purchase a light rail pass, grab the kids ( kids love trains! ) and have some fun!
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I’ve tried many times to convince myself to go to this exhibit and have not yet made the plunge.
Heard nothing but great things!
Oh, and the LINK opens on Monday!
It sounds really cool, I am looking forward to checking it out.
The LINK opening is cool. Will definitely be a nice way to get to / from downtown from Gangplank.