R.I. to host human-corpse exhibit 'Body Worlds Vital'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- An exhibit of preserved human corpses is coming to Providence at the end of June.

Gunther von Hagens’ "Body Worlds Vital," featuring more than 200 specimens and 13 complete bodies, will be on display at the Rhode Island Convention Center beginning June 30, the convention center announced in a Thursday news release. The show's website indicates it will run through Jan. 16.

"The human anatomy exhibit is an immersive, multimedia experience celebrating the potential of the human body," the venue said. " 'Body Worlds Vital' is one chapter from anatomist Gunther von Hagens’ 'Human Saga' project — a series of curated museum health exhibitions narrating neuroscience, cardiology, longevity and aging, and other explorations in anatomy."

The exhibits use a process called plastination -- a method of extracting bodily fluids and fat from specimens and then infusing plastic to replace them -- to preserve corpses for display.

"Featuring authentic human bodies, the exhibition examines the body through displays about distress and disease, and inspirational insights about the body’s virtuosity and resilience," says the release. "These detailed anatomical studies and compositions show visitors a penetrating gaze at what lies beneath the skin -- the design and function of the human body."

The corpses come from a body-donation program managed by the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg, Germany.

"During their lifetime," according to the release, "donors willed that their bodies be used, after their death, for teaching future generations of science learners, though Plastination. More than 42 million visitors worldwide, 16 million of those in the Americas, have seen the exhibitions."

Tickets are on sale at (844) 253-4840 and bodyworldsri.com. School groups can contact the Group Sales department by visiting the website or by calling (401) 680-4702.