BODIES - The Exhibition

Experience with human body like never before. See what we look like on the inside, without our skin. Using real human bodies that have been preserved in an innovative process.

The exhibit, BODIES - The Exhibition, shows over 20 human bodies presented as pieces of art, which show the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems of the body.

The exhibit also displays 200+ individual body parts; some are highly educational and show the effects of obesity, sedentary (couch potato) lifestyles and smoking, as well as diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, arthritis and osteoporosis.

The bodies are sourced from the medical university in China and all died from natural causes. While specific details of the individuals are not known, the preservationists were able to determine some aspects about the general health of the bodies before death.

The preservation process for a full body takes upwards of the year. The process starts with a traditional mortuary process of removing bodily fluids. Then the preservationists determine how the body will be presented and it is dissected accordingly. The body is then placed in an acetone bath which replaces any liquid, water or remaining fluids. This is followed by immersion into a silicone polymer that replaces the acetone and enters each cell. The final step is the application of a hardening catalyst.

This highly controversial and graphic exhibit has received both praise and is considered by some disturbing or offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. Additionally, parents are strongly advised to seriously consider the impact on younger children.

 

BODIES - The Exhibition
The Dome in Roslyn
1101 Wilson Boulevard
Rosslyn, VA 22209

Dates and Times - through October 28th, Sundays - Wednesdays - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursdays - Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tickets - Timed tickets are available online. Adults - $26.50, Seniors - $21.00, kids 4-12 - $18.00