PORTLAND, Ore. – On Sunday, Oct. 4, BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life, a presentation of the groundbreaking anatomical exhibition series BODY WORLDS that has been seen by more than 50 million people globally, will close at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). In order to prioritize visitor health and safety, admissions have been carefully staggered and limited to only 25% of OMSI’s regular capacity, and heightened cleaning procedures have been implemented.

“BODY WORLDS truly is a ‘must-see’ exhibit, offering our visitors an opportunity to understand the science, splendor, and complexity of the human body,” said Erin Graham, OMSI president and CEO. “This in-depth look at human anatomy and physiology will spark conversations about the steps we can take to remain healthy and active, positively impacting the lifestyle choices of many who see the exhibit.”

The 10,000-square-foot exhibit, designed by BODY WORLDS’ creative and conceptual designer Dr. Angelina Whalley, focuses on the human life cycle, capturing the body at every stage—at its most healthy, as it changes, grows, matures, and finally wanes. 

“Learning more about the fragility and resilience of your body at any stage of your life, strengthening your immune system to fight diseases, and exercising preventive care are key elements to take on more responsibility for our health,” said Dr. Whalley. “The impact of the lessons from the exhibition stay with our visitors for years to come.”

Ticket prices for BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life are $20 for adults, $16 for youth (ages 3-13), and $16 for seniors (ages 63+). Prices for OMSI Members are $12 for adults, $10 for youth, and $11 for seniors. Guests can purchase tickets online at omsi.edu or via phone at 503.797.4000.

All specimens presented in the BODY WORLDS exhibitions are preserved through plastination, a scientific process invented by pioneering anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens. The BODY WORLDS series was originally conceived to educate the public about the inner workings of the human body and to reveal the long-term effects of both healthy and unhealthy lifestyles. BODY WORLDS is the first exhibition of its kind to inform the visitor about anatomy, physiology, and health by viewing real human bodies donated to the Institute for Plastination, established by Dr. von Hagens in 1983. 

"Dr. von Hagens originally developed plastination as a way to teach people about the human body and show its full potential,” said Dr. Whalley. “Today, BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life is the perfect way to use this science to showcase the beauty of the human body and reveal the secrets of vitality, longevity, and well-being."  

About BODY WORLDS
Invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977, the plastination process replaces the natural fluids in the specimen with liquid reactive plastics that are hardened and cured with gas, light, or heat. Before hardening the plastic in the specimens, the plastinates are fixed into extraordinary, lifelike poses, illustrating how our bodies internally respond to everyday movements and activities. Plastination provides the flexibility and strength needed to display and preserve the specimens in their true-to-life form, without the use of glass barriers or formaldehyde. Dr. von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS exhibitions stem from an established body donation program that relies on donor consent. The specimens on display, excluding a small number of acquisitions from anatomical collections and anatomy programs, stem from a body donation program that was begun in the early 1980s by Dr. von Hagens.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.