The exhibition uses the plastination process, an invention by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, to replace bodily fluids with reactive plastics.
All specimens in the collection are obtained through a voluntary body donation program.
The 'Happiness Project' theme was specifically developed for the Amsterdam location to link anatomical health with subjective emotional experience.
The building itself, located on Damrak 66, has undergone significant architectural renovation to accommodate the exhibition's floor-to-ceiling display requirements.
Each exhibit undergoes a rigorous ethical review process to ensure the dignity of the donors is maintained.
BODY WORLDS Amsterdam is a permanent exhibition featuring real human specimens preserved through plastination. The museum focuses on the theme of 'The Happiness Project,' exploring how human anatomy reacts to emotional states. Visitors can examine over 200 authentic human bodies and organs to understand biological systems and the effects of lifestyle choices. The installation is housed in a multi-story building on the Damrak, spanning several levels of anatomical displays. Each floor features interactive elements that explain physiological functions in relation to psychological well-being. It serves as both a scientific educational resource and a philosophical look at mortality and human health. The exhibit emphasizes the complexity of the human heart and nervous system through detailed cross-sections.
The main staircase area often features thematic lighting and displays that provide context for the exhibition's layout.
Purchase tickets online in advance to bypass the physical queue, which can be significant during peak season.
Visit the interactive weighing stations on the upper floors to test your own body composition against exhibition data.
Read the informative placards next to each specimen, as they explain specific physiological conditions and donor histories.
Avoid visiting on rainy weekend afternoons when the limited indoor space becomes crowded and navigation through the narrow levels becomes difficult.
Open daily throughout the year, including public holidays.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the exhibits feature real human remains; photography is permitted for personal use but no flash is allowed.
