For a limited-time only, Sydneysiders can discover what lies behind the skin to reveal how our health choices, emotions, and environment impact the body and mind
Sydney | August 2026: Following strong success across Australia, with more than 270,000 visitors to date, Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ world-renowned exhibition BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness will open in the heart of Sydney's historic Rocks precinct on September 17, 2026.
Tickets are now available for purchase at bodyworlds.com.au/sydney.
Developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of Plastination, and curated by physician and designer Dr. Angelina Whalley, this special edition of BODY WORLDS explores the human body not only as a biological structure, but as the foundation of perception, emotion, health and well-being.
The Anatomy of Happiness asks a question that concerns us all: What does happiness have to do with the body? The exhibition shows that happiness is not simply a fleeting emotion or a matter of positive thinking. It is deeply connected to the way we live, move, breathe, feel, recover and relate to others. Through real human specimens, multimedia installations and accessible scientific insights, the exhibition reveals how joy, love, fear, stress and resilience are reflected in the body — and how lifestyle, social connection and emotional balance can influence long-term health.
Having attracted more than 58 million visitors in over 175 cities worldwide, BODY WORLDS presents real human specimens donated specifically for public education in health, science and anatomy. Preserved through the groundbreaking process of plastination, the specimens allow visitors to encounter the human body with exceptional authenticity, clarity and emotional depth.
“Through plastination, we are able to present the human body in a memorable and beautiful way, allowing people to learn about anatomy, disease and health in a direct and deeply personal manner,” says Dr. Angelina Whalley, curator of BODY WORLDS. “With The Anatomy of Happiness, I want to show that our body is not only the basis of life, but also the place where our experiences, emotions and choices leave their traces. Many visitors leave BODY WORLDS with a new awareness of their own body — and a new motivation to live more consciously.”
Visitors are invited on a fascinating journey into the connection between body and mind. Alongside the exhibition’s renowned whole-body plastinates, organs and transparent body slices, The Anatomy of Happiness explores themes such as stress and recovery, movement and balance, brain health, ageing, resilience, social connection and the effects of lifestyle choices on the body.
- Real human plastinates shown in motion and at rest, revealing the complexity, strength and resilience of the human body.
- Interactive elements, including the Anatomical Mirror, where visitors can visualise the position of vital organs within their own body.
- The documentary photo series 100 Years of Life, exploring longevity and healthy aging.
- The Save Your Spine display, offering practical ergonomic advice for everyday movement.
- Insights into brain health, including conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, explored through plastinates, brain scans and multimedia presentations.
- Side-by-side displays of healthy and diseased organs, demonstrating the profound impact of lifestyle, disease and emotional well-being.
- Infographics and health insights throughout the exhibition, presenting accessible, research-based information.
At its heart, BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness is an invitation to reflect on what it means to live well. It shows that caring for the body is also a way of caring for the mind - and that health, happiness and resilience are shaped by the choices we make every day.
All specimens displayed in BODY WORLDS have been willed by donors for scientific purposes and to increase public awareness of medicine, health and fitness. Official BODY WORLDS exhibitions are the only anatomical exhibitions of this kind to rely on an established body donation programme. To date, more than 24,000 donors worldwide, including donors from Australia, have bequeathed their bodies to Dr. von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination after death.
Ticket prices for BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness start from $35 for adults and $20 for children, and are now available for purchase. For further information and tickets, visit bodyworlds.com.au/sydney. Hi-res imagery is available HERE.
All bodies displayed in BODY WORLDS have been willed by donors to be used for scientific purposes and to increase public awareness of medicine, health and fitness. BODY WORLDS exhibitions are the only anatomical exhibitions of this kind to rely on an established body donation programme. To date, more than 24,000 donors around the world, including Australia, have bequeathed their bodies to Dr. von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination after death.
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 58 million visitors across approximately 175 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.
Muse Marketing and Entertainment is established by one of the most globally experienced teams with the aim of becoming the most preferred entertainment company in the world. With more than 25 years of international experience, Muse offers all the skills for developing and executing a versatile range of entertainment projects mainly focusing on exhibitions, live and family entertainment. Along with “The Art of Banksy Without Limits”, Muse has several running exhibition projects across Europe, USA, South America and Asia Pacific.