Body Worlds exhibition—Visitor attitudes and emotions

Abstract

Plastination is a new technique for odorless preservation of cadavers. Public exhibition of cadavers has raised controversy but attracted many people. A total of 1078 visitors of the "Body Worlds" Exposition 2003 in Munich were surveyed about their emotional reactions, attitudes and health intentions to assess whether they learned more about human anatomy and aspects of health care. Most, 81.4% visited the exposition to learn more about anatomic structure and function of their own bodies, 86.4% considered this accomplished. Many, 49.8% visitors also felt disturbed. About 74.5% named curiosity as their motive. At least, 40.6% were led to reflect on their own mortality. In total, 42.6% resolved to pursue a healthier lifestyle. The "Body Worlds" Exposition teaches medical staff and lay people more about human anatomy, as well as the transience of life. About 94.3% visitors pleaded against prohibiting the exposition. The Body Worlds exhibition could improve its reputation if more information and incentives for health care were provided.