BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness is here in Melbourne
Let’s be honest — not every exhibition is an easy yes. Some you stroll through with a coffee in hand. Others make you think a little deeper about life, health… and what’s going on beneath the surface.
That’s exactly where BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness sits.
It’s fascinating. It’s confronting. And for many of us, it’s thought-provoking.
If you’ve ever been curious about how the human body really works — or how your lifestyle choices show up inside you — this is one for you.
Marjie’s review
The Core of the Exhibition: Body Works
This is an extraordinary exhibition! For me, that’s not an exaggeration, but a very straight take on the Body Works experience I had on the opening night.
I did approach the exhibition with a little trepidation, knowing that human corpses had been used to create these “plastinates”, the core of the exhibition.
Trepidation was replaced in no time by Awe and Wonder, not just at the plastination process that created these models. But in Awe and Wonder at the Human Body…MY body! YOUR body!
In no time, these plastinates simply became exquisite models that enabled me to see the human body in minute and beautiful detail.
Some of the exhibits, like the network of fibres of the nervous system, were so unexpected that I initially thought they were the creation of an artist’s imagination. This feeling of being completely taken aback persisted for the several hours that I spent at the exhibition.
Unless you are already completely au fait with the human body, or feel no curiosity about the body you inhabit, I personally think it’s almost compulsory to go to this exhibition. No room for queasiness in my view!
Anatomy of Happiness
I wasn’t quite as positive about the tag Anatomy of Happiness, which was attached to the Body Works core of the exhibition. Yes, it was a noticeable thread running throughout, with many annotations about happiness, bodily chemicals and their relationship to the brain and other parts of the body’s anatomy.
In addition, there were other exhibits, such as photographic representations of quotations from famous individuals that had “soul”, and others that showed living human beings, or engaged me as a participant. They were perhaps important counterpoints to the reality (no, not the “grim” reality!) of the whole exhibition.
While this aspect of the exhibition didn’t wow me as much as I’d expected, it was easily outweighed by my overall experience.
The audio
I mustn’t forget to mention the audio! And you mustn’t forget your ear buds!
After an initial swipe of a QR code, you can use your phone to hear more about individual exhibits. So, you can look and listen rather than look and read! I made a note of the link, and I’m continuing my investigative journey even after leaving the exhibition. Soon I’ll be telling anyone who wants to listen about so many human systems. How’s this for a list? Locomotive, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive and developmental.
Impressed already?! Me too. And it could be you!
What is BODY WORLDS all about?
Created by German anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens and curated by Dr. Angelina Whalley, this world-renowned exhibition uses real human bodies and organs, preserved through a process called plastination.
Yes, real human specimens.
Before you decide it’s not for you — it’s worth knowing these are all donated bodies, given specifically for scientific education. There’s a strong sense of respect throughout the exhibition, and the aim is clear: to help us better understand our bodies and, perhaps, take better care of them.
Since it first launched, BODY WORLDS has attracted more than 57 million visitors worldwide. It’s not a fringe experience — but it is a unique one.
What you’ll see inside
This is not a traditional museum display. The BODY WORLDS exhibition is designed to show the human body in motion, in detail, and in ways most of us have never seen before.
You’ll find:
The human body — up close
Full-body specimens are displayed in lifelike poses, revealing muscles, bones, and internal systems working together. It’s both scientific and strangely artistic.
Healthy vs diseased organs
Side-by-side comparisons show the impact of smoking, diet, and lifestyle choices. It’s the kind of visual that makes you stop and think, “Right… maybe I should take that walk after all.”
Brain health and ageing
Conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are explored through real specimens and medical imaging, offering a clearer understanding of how these diseases affect the body.
The “Anatomical Mirror”
One of the more interactive elements — stand in front of the screen and see where your organs sit inside your own body. A bit confronting, but also quite brilliant.
Save Your Spine
Practical advice on posture and everyday movement — something many of us can appreciate after a long tram ride or a day on our feet.
100 Years of Life
A photographic series exploring longevity and what healthy ageing can look like across different lives and cultures.
Why it resonates (especially as we get older)
What we love about this exhibition is its focus on the connection between body and mind.
It doesn’t just show anatomy — it explores how emotions like stress, joy, and fear physically affect our health over time.
Many visitors will leave not just informed, but motivated — to move a little more, eat a little better, or simply pay closer attention to their wellbeing.
Is it for everyone?
In short — no, and that’s perfectly fine.
The BODY WORLDS exhibition includes real human bodies and detailed anatomical displays. Some people find it fascinating. Others may find it confronting or uncomfortable.
If you’re a bit squeamish, it’s worth thinking carefully before you go. But if you’re curious, open-minded, and interested in how the body really works, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Angie’s review
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend Body Worlds at Docklands. It was an extensive exhibition and we easily spent two hours meandering through the various rooms, stopping to read captions & listening to audible guide which we scanned at the exhibition entry.
Each room has a bench seat for breaks and we happily sat periodically.
The human body is a miracle. To see it so brilliantly preserved by the plasintation method, first developed in 1977 by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens, was a first. It gives a factual look inside our bodies. There is a fascinating video at the exit of the exhibition showing the process on video. It lasts around 10 minutes. Please make time for this.
The intricacies of each organ & joint, muscle, tendon & nerve were eye-opening. My favourites were the displays showing joint replacements. No wonder screen detectors go crazy at airports. Imagine the surgical skill required to repair our joints & bones. Now I understand why there are specialists for each category of the human body.
This exhibition is far from gory, We can all be thankful that donors have bequeathed their bodies for plastination so that all people can learn how the humans body works. Whilst all ages are welcome, I’d suggest ten & up might benefit more than younger children. Sporty types will love it and all visitors will understand that since we are only given one body, let’s give it our best care.
I caught the no.30 tram from the Spencer Street & Latrobe corner. It stops directly outside the exhibition building The District Docklands Level One (same location as ArtVo). There are limited cafes near this venue so plan your coffee stop before or after your visit.
The sunset trip home was on the Port Phillip ferry which capped off a wonderful day.
Practical information
Location
Level 1, 116 Studio Lane,
District Docklands (take the escalators next to H&M up to level 1)
Dates
From 27 March 2026 (limited season)
Tickets
From $34 for adults, $28 for Seniors card holders and $20 for children
Getting there
The District Docklands is an easy trip from the CBD, with trams running regularly along Collins Street and Harbour Esplanade. It’s a flat, accessible area, with plenty of places to sit and rest nearby if you want to take your time before or after your visit.
Related reading: Plan the Perfect Midweek Visit to The District Docklands
A final thought
This isn’t a light, breezy outing — but it is a meaningful one.
It invites you to look at your body not just as something that carries you through the day, but as something worth understanding and caring for.
If you visit, let us know what you think.
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The Seniors in Melbourne team attended as guests of BODY WORLDS. All opinions are the writer’s own.
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