BODIES... The Exhibition

Both captivating and edifying, BODIES ....The Exhibition unveils the many complex systems of organs and tissues that drive every aspect of our daily lives and unite us all as humans. Featuring over 200 specimens consisting of whole-bodies and individual organs that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through an innovative process, BODIES ...The Exhibition will enlighten, empower, fascinate and inspire.

To help you see what a body really looks like on the inside, this Exhibition uses real human bodies that have been preserved so they do not decay. A human specimen is first preserved according to standard mortuary science. The specimen is then dissected to show whatever it is that someone wants to display. Once dissected, the specimen is immersed in acetone, which eliminates all body water. The specimen is then placed in a large bath of silicone, or polymer, and sealed in a vacuum chamber. Under vacuum, acetone leaves the body in the form of gas and the polymer replaces it, entering each cell and body tissue. A catalyst is then applied to the specimen, hardening it and completing the process. This method of preservation creates a specimen that will not decay. This offers thousands of unique teaching possibilities for educators at all levels, including medical professionals, archeologists and other scientists.

BODIES. . . The Exhibition is conveniently located in the South Street Seaport, only a short walk from Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty.