The Seattle Traveler

Our Bodies. . . Ourselves: The Bodies Exhibit

by Mary Jo on December 6th, 2006

Is it educational – or just creepy?  That’s what millions of visitors to the exhibit “Bodies” will have to decide for themselves.

“Bodies. . . The Exhibition” is just what it sounds like – a display of bodies, stripped to their muscle, bone and sinew, for everyone to see.  The exhibit features full bodies in addition to more than 250 organs and partial-body specimens.

Controversial?  No doubt!  But supporters of the exhibit claim that the display of cadavers is an opportunity for the general public to get a small snippet of medical education.  Viewing “Bodies” is really a chance to view ourselves, and to learn how disease, and life choices take their toll on our bodies.

The bodies are on display in nine rooms, each one focused on a different part of human anatomy:  the nervous system, the circulatory system, the muscular system, the reproductive system, etc.  The bodies are displayed like art, with display and lighting techniques similar to what you would see in an art gallery.

The exhibit has toured the country, meeting with both controversy and acclaim wherever it has gone, and Seattle is no exception. There’s controversy aplenty, and there is no doubting that this display is not for the faint of heart.  There is definitely an “ick” factor to deal with.

Still, the Seattle exhibit, sponsored by the Seattle Theater Group, a not-for-profit performing arts organization that operates the Paramount and Moore Theaters, is expected to draw over half a million visitors.

Location:  800 Pike Street, across from the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

Hours:  Monday-Thursday 9 am-7 pm; Friday-Sunday 9 am-9 pm.  The exhibit runs through December 31st.

Tickets:  $24.50 for adults, $19 seniors, $16 kids (ages 4-12).  An audio component is available for an additional $5.  Available online through the exhibit website or at the door.

CAUTIONARY NOTE:  This exhibit is controversial.  Many consider it to be offensive.  Exercise discretion in making your decision to attend or not attend, along with which age groups are appropriate to see it.

Photo credit:  flickr

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