DEL MAR, CA — Body Worlds, an internationally known exhibition featuring real human bodies, will open Dec. 22 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
"Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness" will explore the connection between physical health, mental well-being and happiness through preserved human specimens, interactive displays and scientific exhibits.
The exhibition will feature whole-body specimens, individual organs and multimedia displays showing how disease, aging and lifestyle choices affect the human body.
Highlights include preserved bodies posed as an archer and soccer players, side-by-side comparisons of healthy and diseased organs, and an interactive mirror that allows visitors to see the locations of organs within their own bodies.
Other displays will explore brain health, including Alzheimer's disease, healthy aging and the connection between physical activity and happiness. A documentary photo series will focus on centenarians, or people who have lived to be at least 100.
Created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens and curated by Dr. Angelina Whalley, Body Worlds uses a preservation process called plastination, which replaces bodily fluids and fats with plastics.
All specimens were donated by people who chose to give their bodies for scientific and educational purposes after death, according to organizers.
Since its debut in Japan in 1995, Body Worlds exhibitions have attracted more than 58 million visitors in more than 175 cities worldwide.
The exhibition will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Activity Center at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar.
Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets range from $29 to $35, with discounts available for seniors, students, groups and families, youth and military members.
Tickets are on sale at bodyworlds.com.
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