When we entered Perth’s BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness, we knew we were about to experience something extraordinary, but we didn’t anticipate just how reflective, energising, and emotionally resonant it would be. This internationally acclaimed showcase goes far beyond anatomy. It’s a contemplative exploration of existence itself—our physical makeup and our emotional landscape. Using real human specimens preserved through Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ revolutionary plastination technique, BODY WORLDS illuminates the intricacy of the body while celebrating the very essence of being alive. Read our full review below.
A journey that begins with the brain
The exhibition opens with a focus on the brain, the command centre of our thoughts, memories, feelings, and identities. Visitors are met with real brain slices, some perfectly healthy, others displaying the toll of illness. It’s an arresting introduction that immediately underscores how delicate and powerful this organ truly is.
Accompanying the displays are reflective quotes from thinkers, writers, and spiritual traditions around the world. These philosophical notes prompt us to think: What is happiness? What makes a meaningful life?
The human body revealed
The first full-body plastinate we encountered was The Chess Player. poised mid-thought, every fibre and muscle carefully exposed. It’s a mesmerising fusion of intellect and physiology. Nearby stands The Basketball Player in mid-action, frozen at the height of motion. The path then leads into the cardiovascular section, where one of the most astonishing pieces awaits: a heart displayed entirely as a network of blood vessels. Another standout is The Fencer, sliced vertically into three distinct segments, offering an almost architectural perspective on the body’s internal mechanics. It’s anatomy presented not just scientifically, but artistically.
The science of happiness
As the exhibition continues, attention shifts to the biological and social forces that influence our well-being. A dedicated space showcases centenarians from around the world, pairing their photos with their philosophies for living a long and happy life. Their advice is humble but profound, grounding happiness in gratitude, community, and purposeful living.
The collection also delves into the body’s inner workings, showcasing the digestive system, metabolic health, and the hormonal messengers like dopamine and oxytocin that shape our moods, relationships, and stress responses.
A miracle grain of rice
One of the most humbling displays at the exhibition is a wall of rice grains, each representing a possible sperm cell. Only one, marked in red, signifies the one that carried the genetic code that became you. It’s a striking reminder of the overwhelming odds that led to your existence.
What will you do before you die?
As the experience comes to an end, guests are invited to add their voice to a massive chalkboard titled “Before I die, I want to…” The wall is filled with messages full of humour, longing, hope, and courage, a window into the dreams of strangers.
And finally, before stepping out, visitors can explore a detailed explanation of the plastination process, revealing how this groundbreaking preservation technique provides for such remarkable learning and emotional impact.
Our visit to BODY WORLDS in Perth was inspiring, illuminating, and surprisingly uplifting. It doesn’t merely display the human body, it invites you to marvel at it, honour it, and appreciate the miracle of your everyday existence. If you’re in Perth, we wholeheartedly recommend making time for this exhibition. It’s an experience that stays with you, and you may just leave feeling a renewed sense of wonder for your own life.
BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness
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4.72
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1436 reviews