At first glance, the globally renowned BODY WORLDS in Melbourne sounds like a science exhibition, but we can guarantee it turns out to be much more than that. The team at Secret Melbourne spent an afternoon exploring the showcase, and we felt it went far beyond anatomy. It’s an immersive reflection on how we think, feel, connect, and ultimately find meaning. Using real human specimens preserved through Gunther von Hagens’ pioneering plastination technique, the exhibition transforms science into something quite poetic, inviting visitors to reflect on both the complexity and brilliance of being alive. Here’s what stood out during our visit.
12 May 2026 10:30 + more dates
A journey that begins with the brain
The experience opens with the organ that defines who we are. Detailed cross-sections reveal what the brain looks like when made up of healthy tissue or when affected by disease. In this moment, you start to grasp just how fragile the organ is that drives your thoughts and defines who you are.
What struck us from the get-go was the thoughtful integration of quotes from philosophers, writers, and spiritual traditions across cultures. These reflections gently prompt you to consider life’s biggest questions: What is happiness? What shapes our identity? Throughout the exhibition, these ideas are woven into the science, exploring everything from brain chemistry to relationships and lifestyle choices that influence our wellbeing.
The human body revealed
One of the first full-body plastinates we encountered was The Chess Player, frozen in a moment of deep focus. Every sinew and muscle is visible, illustrating the seamless connection between mind and body. Nearby, The Basketball Player captures motion mid-action, a dynamic contrast that highlights the body in movement.
As you continue, the cardiovascular system takes centre stage. A particularly unforgettable display presents the heart not as a solid mass, but as an intricate network of vessels—delicate, almost lace-like, and astonishing.
Another standout is The Fencer, divided into three vertical layers to reveal the inner architecture of the human body. It’s equal parts scientific and artistic, like stepping inside a living anatomy diagram.
The science of happiness
Further along, the exhibition shifts focus towards what makes a long, fulfilling life. A section dedicated to centenarians shares insights from people who have lived past 100, offering simple yet profound reflections on happiness, resilience, and connection. Their perspectives add a nice dose of warmth that complements the clinical details of the exhibit.
The biological foundations of happiness are also explored in depth. Various displays examine the digestive system, the impact of lifestyle on health, and the role of hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, revealing how deeply our physical and emotional states are intertwined.
A miracle grain of rice
One of the most striking installations is a wall filled with grains of rice, each one representing a sperm cell. Among them, a single red grain marks the one that led to your existence. It’s simple, but it really hits—you can’t help but think about how unlikely and amazing it is that you’re even here.
Nearby, displays like The Hurdler and The Ice Hockey Player highlight the body in motion, celebrating strength, movement, and energy. There’s also a thoughtfully presented section on reproduction that keeps things informative while still capturing that sense of wonder about how life begins.
What will you do before you die?
As you reach the end, you’re invited to write on a wall finishing the sentence: “Before I die, I want to…” The responses are funny, heartfelt, and deeply personal, and reading through them feels like a shared moment of reflection with complete strangers. It’s a really nice way to wrap things up, nudging you to think about what actually matters to you.
Before you head out, there’s also a behind-the-scenes look at the plastination process, giving you a better sense of the work and care that goes into each display.
Our visit to BODY WORLDS was eye-opening, emotional, and genuinely uplifting in ways we didn’t expect. We left with a new appreciation for our bodies and a slightly different perspective on life. If you’re in Melbourne, it’s absolutely worth checking out—it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you.
BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness
12 May 2026 10:30 + more dates