For an amazing journey of discovery of the human body, Body Worlds in Amsterdam is the right museum because it allows you to experience something truly out of the ordinary! Body Worlds, in fact, is an exhibition format that aims to make human anatomy more easily accessible and understandable to the general public.
The exhibition displays well-preserved samples of human bodies using the discovery made by Polish-born anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977 at the University of Heidelbergla. Von Hagens invented plastination, a special process by which real human bodies can be preserved longer for scientific research and medical education.
In the beginning, Body Worlds was a travelling exhibition that was shown in more than 100 locations in Europe, America, Africa and Asia, but then over time some of these cities transformed the exhibition from temporary to permanent. Among these cities is Amsterdam, which, together with Berlin and Heidelberg, hosts the exhibition on a permanent basis in Europe.
Body WorldsAmsterdam is an incredible exhibition featuring almost 200 anatomical specimens of real human bodies that have been preserved over the years thanks to plastination, a process that allows the preservation of the body by replacing liquids with silicone polymers. Thanks to this process, the shape and appearance of many bodies and internal organs have been preserved over time, and so it is possible to observe them perfectly preserved at this museum.
Specifically, it is possible to learn more about the functioning of our organs, the effect of bad habits such as smoking and how diseases occur. The building has six floors plus an underground level and the tour starts on the sixth floor and reaches the end of the exhibition in the basement. Each level is dedicated to a different aspect of our bodies through an exhibition on human anatomy that is both educational and entertaining.
There is currently an exhibition known as ‘The Happiness Project‘, designed to explain how our mood can affect our health and what effects happiness can have on our body. Over the years, the theme of the exhibition has changed a few times, but the human body and its anatomy has always remained at the centre. Other themes have been sport, nutrition and health.
In order to visit the wonderful Body Worlds exhibition, you need to buy a ticket: you can do this conveniently online before you leave or directly at the museum ticket offices. There is a reduced ticket for minors. If you have purchased the I Amsterdam City Card you will get a 25% discount at the ticket office entrance.
The tour starts by reaching the sixth floor in the lift and gradually descends to the lower floors and the basement.
Body Worlds Amsterdam is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the last admission allowed one hour before closing. Days with special opening hours are:
Body World is located in the city centre and is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. From Dam Square it takes approximately 3 minutes to walk to the museum and from Amsterdam Central Station 5 minutes.
By public transport using tram lines 4, 9, 16 and 24, the nearest stop is Dam / De Bijenkorf, which is approximately 1 minute from the site. Those travelling by car , on the other hand, can park at Q-Park De Bijenkorf or Q-Park Nieuwendijk, both of which charge parking spaces.
Body Worlds Amsterdam is located in the central district of Binnenstad, two hundred metres from Dam Square and a few minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.