Körperwelten

Curiosity gnawed at me. What secrets did Körperwelten hold? I stand here with you, before the doors of Körperwelten in Heidelberg, once an art nouveau swimming pool, now a place where life and death intertwine. Körperwelten, the brainchild of Gunther von Hagens, began its journey in 1995. Von Hagens, a physician and scientist, pioneered the plastination process. This process preserves human bodies and allows them to be displayed in lifelike poses. Körperwelten aims to educate the public about the human body. It seeks to promote a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology. Within these walls, you’ll find plastinated bodies, each telling a story of the human experience. From the intricate network of blood vessels to the delicate structure of the lungs, Körperwelten reveals the beauty hidden within us. Von Hagens’ invention of plastination in 1977, during his research at Heidelberg University, made Körperwelten possible. This innovative technique halted the decay of the body. It opened up new possibilities for the study and display of human anatomy. Did you know von Hagens himself donated his body to be plastinated? He announced this decision publicly, showcasing his commitment to his work and his belief in the power of plastination. His wish was to be plastinated in slices. He wanted to be distributed to anatomy schools. This would allow his body to further medical education even after his death. The Heidelberg exhibition, titled “Anatomy of Happiness”, explores the connection between physical and emotional well-being. The plastinates, frozen in dynamic poses, reveal the intricate systems that contribute to our happiness. Here, within the walls of the “Altes Hallenbad”, the past mingles with the present, life interacts with death, and science merges with art. Körperwelten invites you on a journey of self-discovery. It encourages you to contemplate the complexity and fragility of the human body. Leave with a renewed appreciation for the miracle of life.