After 5: 'Bodies ... The Exhibition'

What: Scientifically preserved dead bodies displayed for exploration of the human system

Where: 9 Treasure Lake Drive, Branson (next to the IMAX Theater)

When: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 31

Cost: $22.50 for adults; $17 for children 12 and under

More information: (866) 866-8265 or www.bodiestheexhibition.com

Among the millions of tourists in Branson this summer is a unique gathering of human specimens.

Displayed through Dec. 31 in an exhibit called “Bodies … The Exhibition,” these specimens are scientifically preserved for the purpose of education and intrigue.

Branson is one of 10 cities worldwide to score the exhibit, and “Bodies” really is a different sort of attraction for the Missouri tourist city better known for country music and live entertainment. Other showings are in Prague, Czech Republic; Lisbon, Portugal; New York City; Washington, D.C.; and San Diego.

The bodies here are the real things – just dead.

In a museum setting, rest whole human bodies – sans skin – individual organs and partial bodies. All have undergone a process called polymer preservation (see below).

The pieces expose the muscular, vascular, nervous and respiratory systems, and one exhibit is nothing but skin – an entire body. While the skin exhibit was the one display deemed disconcerting, no preconceptions will prepare an individual for reactions to this exhibit.

Segmented rooms

Most of the specimens are quite beautiful, and all are affecting in one way or another.

In a beautifully mathematical way, the most striking displays are in the vascular room. There’s a full-body specimen that is mostly just veins and arteries and several smaller displays of the blood vessels that supply various major organs. Encased in their plastic cubes, these specimens look like avant-garde table lamps.

Another wonderfully conceived piece appears to be two people giving each other a high-five. In reality, it is the same person – two different systems individually preserved – slapping his hands together.

The coup de grace is in the final room and brings new meaning to the term “slice of life.” A body sliced into more than 80 transverse sections gives the viewer an idea of what magnetic resonance imaging reveals.

In one room (visitors are offered the choice to bypass it) a number of fetuses are shown in various stages of development.

One wonders if the fetus display is part of the controversy that surrounds the exhibit. Some human rights and religious groups have expressed opposition. For instance, the Czech Catholic Church and some university officials in Prague have voiced opinions that using these dead bodies for the sake of business and sensation is immoral and barbaric.

In Branson, the show’s opening was delayed by nearly two weeks. The only comment out of media relations manager Jonathan Barnes was, “We are working closely with the city of Branson. … We’re dotting all of our I’s and crossing all of our T’s. We’ve seen more than 4 million people in just under two years, including 250,000 schoolchildren. Amazing numbers of people have come and learned more about their bodies.”

Organizers say all of the exhibit bodies are from China. While the official statement from the producers notes, “The law prohibits the disclosure of any information regarding the specimen’s identity or cause of death,” they assure visitors that every specimen in the exhibition “died of natural causes.”

Educational aspects

In the room devoted to the respiratory system, there are a set of healthy lungs and a set of diseased lungs. A plastic container between the two has a hole in the top where those so inclined are welcome to deposit the cigarettes they may be carrying.

“Seeing promotes understanding and understanding promotes the most practical kind of body education possible,” said Dr. Roy Glover, the chief medical adviser for “Bodies.” “The body doesn’t lie.”

Each individual room is staffed by a docent, who has been trained or has a background in the medical profession. Visitors’ questions are well considered, not answered with something memorized from a company handbook.

Organizers are adamant that “Bodies” is family-friendly, but they also recommend children be accompanied by an adult.

What is polymer preservation?

In “Bodies … The Exhibition,” a human specimen is first preserved according to standard mortuary science. The specimen is dissected, then immersed in acetone, which eliminates all body water. The specimen is placed in a 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 applied to the specimen, hardening it so that it will not decay. The specimens feel dry to the touch, but guests are not allowed to touch them.

Source: www.bodiestheexhibition.com[[In-content Ad]]