“Body Worlds” Exhibit Returning to Franklin Institute in 2025

Source: Ulrich Baumgarten / Getty

The Franklin Institute science museum is bringing back an exhibit that may ruffle some Philadelphians feathers. The “Body Worlds” exhibit will soon be making a return to Philadelphia, as consumers will be able to get an in-depth look into the human body.

Thoughts of the Franklin Institute might conjure up the beloved Giant Heart, or maybe exhibits featuring huge LEGO displays,  but “Body Worlds” brings a vast amount of memorable attractions to display; some of which, might not be pleasing to all of those in attendance.

It has been said that some of the iterations of “Body Worlds” have been at the center of controversy in the past, whether it be the sourcing of the specimens (which some reportedly came from executed Chinese prisoners) or just the whole idea of displaying human remains to begin with.

Source: Ulrich Baumgarten / Getty

According to sources, the specimens have been preserved by a German scientist named Gunther von Hagens. He preserves the once-living bodies through a process called Plastination that he developed in the 1970s. Essentially, he takes dead bodies and replaces the water and fat in them with certain plastics and other materials. In theory, this preserves the bodies for a very, very long time.