There are over 200 human specimens in Body Worlds 4, which means that it isn't for the faint hearted. Some critics, including Bishop of Manchester the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, have voiced their concerns over the exhibition's use of real bodies. Rev McCullock branded the show a "little shop of horrors" and "a modern twist on body snatching", and even went so far as to say that he had "grave concerns for the spiritual welfare" of the people who chose to visit the show. However, it is worth pointing out that all specimens in the show are from willing volunteers who were keen for their bodies to be used to educate others. Indeed, the bodies on display help to provide visitors with an intimate look at the way we work, as well as the impact that disease and other physical changes can have on the body.
The bodies used in the exhibition have been preserved using the patented process of plastination. This is a groundbreaking method of preservation that was developed by Dr Von Hagens in order to prevent decomposition of the dead body. The technique was first developed in 1977, although it is constantly being refined at Dr Von Hagens' Institute for Plastination in Heidelburg, Germany. Body Worlds 4 will feature the very latest plastination techniques, so visitors can't fail to be impressed.
As well as a range of genuine human bodies, Body Worlds 4 will also hold a full programme of lectures and workshops, which will cover a number of issues raised by the exhibition, including tips on how to keep your body in top condition and discussion on the ethical implications of exhibiting human bodies.
The Museum of Science of Industry is the first place to show Body Worlds 4, but Dr Von Hagens' previous three Body Worlds exhibitions have visited a massive 45 cities worldwide, attracting around 25 million visitors. While the original Body Worlds exhibition came to London in 2002 and 2003, the human specimens on display in Body Worlds 4 have never previously been exhibited in the UK.
Body Worlds opened at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester on 22nd February 2008 and it runs until 29th June.
