BODY WORLDS - THE ANATOMY OF HAPPINESS TO MAKE ITS AUSTRALIAN DEBUT IN BRISBANE THIS JUNE

For the first time in Australia, Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ world-renowned exhibition BODY WORLDS – The Anatomy of Happiness will open to the public at Uptown, Brisbane on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The waitlist for tickets is NOW OPEN.

Developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of Plastination, and curated by physician and designer Dr. Angelina Whalley, this special edition offers a unique exploration of the human body, emotions, and what it means to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Having captivated more than 56 million visitors in over 170 cities worldwide, BODY WORLDS presents human specimens donated and preserved through the groundbreaking plastination process. This unique act of donation for the purpose of public education in health and science, allows the exhibition to present the human anatomy with authenticity and emotional depth.

The exhibition offers science-backed insight into how emotions such as joy, love, fear, and stress visibly manifest in the body and affect long-term health. It invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on their lives, their choices, and their capacity for resilience and well-being.

Highlights of BODY WORLDS - The Anatomy of Happiness:

• Exhibits of the human body, shown in motion and at rest, illustrating the complexity and resilience of the human form.

• Interactive elements including the "Anatomical Mirror", where visitors can visualise where vital organs are positioned in their own body. 

• A documentary photo series “100 Years of Life” showcasing longevity and healthy ageing.

• “Save Your Spine” display, offering ergonomic advice for everyday movement.

• Understanding brain health, where diseases such as  Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are explored through plastinates, brain scans, and multimedia presentations.

• Side-by-side displays of healthy and diseased organs, revealing the profound impact of lifestyle and emotional well-being.

• Infographics and health insights throughout the exhibition provide accessible, research-based information.

Visitors are invited on an eye-opening journey into the anatomy of happiness - how our choices, emotions, and environment shape both mental and physical health. At its heart, BODY WORLDS – The Anatomy of Happiness celebrates the profound connection between body and mind - and challenges us to care for both.

The waitlist for tickets is now open. BODY WORLDS, The Anatomy of Happiness, will open at Uptown, Brisbane on Thursday, 12 June. Tickets will be available to purchase on 23 April 2025. Head to bodyworlds.com.au/brisbane for more details and see HERE for hi-res imagery.

ABOUT BODY WORLDS

BODY WORLDS is a groundbreaking exhibition that offers an in-depth exploration of human anatomy, physiology, and organ function, making this knowledge accessible to a broad audience. Since its debut in Japan in 1995, it has attracted over 56 million visitors across approximately 170 cities worldwide, making it one of the most successful exhibitions globally. At its core is a collection of real human specimens preserved through the process of plastination - an innovative technique developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, who co-created the exhibition with Dr. Angelina Whalley. These authentic specimens, including entire bodies, individual organs, and transparent body slices, allow for a powerful and educational experience that compares healthy and diseased organs, explains medical conditions, and demonstrates the effects of lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, or exercise. The authenticity of the plastinates creates a deeply personal and impactful encounter, fostering a greater appreciation for the human body. Surveys show that many visitors adopt healthier habits after attending, with notable increases in fitness, healthier eating, and smoking cessation. BODY WORLDS not only enhances public understanding of health and anatomy but also inspires careers in medicine and contributes meaningfully to public health education. Learn more about plastination at bodyworlds.com/plastination.