Body Worlds is a permanent exhibition of ‘plastinated’ real human bodies in Amsterdam. It gives a fascinating and educational insight into the workings of the body with the theme of the Amsterdam exhibition being health and happiness. Book Body Worlds Amsterdam tickets here
The Body Worlds exhibition was created by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens. It has been seen by tens of millions of people via permanent and temporary exhibitions all over the world. Unsurprisingly it has attracted some ethical controversy from some quarters.
Plastination is a patented process in which the body’s tissue fluid is replaced by a reactive polymer (silicone rubber) with the aid of a special vacuum process. The body is then placed in the desired position and then hardened.
The process also allows for the preservation of ultra-thin slices of the human body.
Body Worlds: The Happiness Project Amsterdam is located on Damrak between Amsterdam Central station and Dam Square. You will find it opposite Beursplein near the Primark store.
Over 7 floors the Amsterdam collection contains 200 real plastinated bodies which were sourced from a donor program. The exhibit starts on the top floor and you work your way down each level – there is a lift available for accessibility.
Each floor covers a different aspect of the body, as follows:
- Floor 6 – Coordination
- Floor 5 – Locomotion
- Floor 4 – Circulation
- Floor 3 – Respiration & Digestion
- Floor 2 – Filtration & Reproduction
- Floor 1 – Prenatal Development
The labelling is clear and in both Dutch and English. There is a hand-held audio tour available in 6 languages for €3.50 extra.
The multi-media exhibition includes the plastinated bodies in various action poses as well as individual body organs on display. There are examples of sick organs such as a liver with cirrhosis and smoker’s lungs.
It is also possible to take your own blood pressure with a hand-held meter and do an ‘InBody Scan’ on the ground floor which measures your fat mass, muscle mass and body fat percentage – you can see an example result sheet here.
We found the exhibition to be very interesting and positive overall, particularly with the health and happiness perspective running throughout. It’s certainly worthy of a visit which takes about 1 hour, though you can take your time and spend longer if desired.
It’s probably not fully suitable for young children though Body Worlds recommends children (age 6+) are suitably prepared before visiting.
Also of interest – the academic Museum Vrolik is a small anatomical museum at the UMC (AMC) hospital in the south-eastern district of Amsterdam.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam is a museum of curiosities and oddities which is located nearby on Dam Square.
Body Worlds Amsterdam Essential Info
Opening HoursDaily 1000-2200. |
Tickets & AdmissionPre-booked entrance costs €22.50 for adults and €13.50 for children 6-17. FREE entry to children 0-5. Over-the-counter tickets are slightly more expensive. There is a 25% discount for I Amsterdam City card holders. Note, the Museumkaart is NOT valid. |
How to Get to Body Worlds AmsterdamBody Worlds is located on Damrak, 5-10 minutes walk from Amsterdam Central station. |
Address / ContactBody Worlds Amsterdam, Damrak 66, 1012 LM Amsterdam |
Last updated 2 September 2024, first published in 2019. Our last visit to Body Worlds was in August 2024 and we paid our own entrance.
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