BODY WORLDS: The Cycle of Life at Hala IASE in Wrocław until 11 August 2026. Explore one of the world’s most visited anatomical exhibitions featuring real plastinated human specimens.
One of the world’s most recognised anatomical exhibitions is entering its final weeks in Wrocław. BODY WORLDS: The Cycle of Life is on display at Hala IASE, next to Hala Stulecia, until 11 August 2026, offering residents and visitors one last opportunity to experience an exhibition that has educated and fascinated millions around the globe.
Unlike a traditional museum exhibition, BODY WORLDS combines medical science, anatomy and education through the display of real human specimens preserved using the pioneering process of plastination. The current exhibition explores the complete journey of human life, from conception and foetal development through childhood, adulthood and the natural ageing process.
A global exhibition with a lasting educational impact
Since its debut, BODY WORLDS has attracted more than 58 million visitors worldwide, making it the most visited anatomical exhibition ever created. Developed by German anatomist Dr Gunther von Hagens and curated by Dr Angelina Whalley, the exhibition aims to make human anatomy accessible to everyone, regardless of scientific background.
Rather than presenting anatomy as a collection of textbook diagrams, the exhibition allows visitors to observe genuine human bodies and organs that have been generously donated to the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg through a voluntary body donation programme. Every specimen represents a real individual who chose to contribute to medical education after death.
Around 160 authentic exhibits are on display in Wrocław, illustrating the complexity of muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and internal organs. Visitors can compare healthy organs with those affected by disease, helping to explain the impact of lifestyle choices in a direct and memorable way.
Following the cycle of human life
The theme of The Cycle of Life focuses on the biological changes every person experiences throughout life.
Beginning with the earliest stages of human development, the exhibition follows physical growth, adolescence, adulthood and later life, demonstrating how the body constantly adapts over time. Along the way, visitors gain insight into the body’s remarkable ability to function, heal and respond to everyday habits.
Dr Angelina Whalley explains the exhibition’s unique perspective:
“Visitors, while looking at another human body, are simultaneously looking at their own. What we eat, how we move, how we live, everything leaves its mark. The body is not only the foundation of our physical existence but also a reflection of our choices.”
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This emphasis on prevention and healthy living has become one of the defining characteristics of BODY WORLDS, encouraging visitors to think about exercise, nutrition, smoking, ageing and overall wellbeing in practical rather than abstract terms.
The science behind plastination
One of the reasons BODY WORLDS became internationally renowned is the revolutionary preservation technique known as plastination.
Invented by Dr Gunther von Hagens in 1977 at the University of Heidelberg, the process replaces water and fat within human tissue with specialised polymers. This creates dry, odourless and durable specimens that preserve even the finest anatomical details for scientific study and public education.
Before plastination, anatomical teaching relied heavily on preserved specimens that deteriorated over time and were generally accessible only to medical professionals. Plastination transformed anatomy education by making it possible to present complete human bodies in dynamic, lifelike poses while preserving extraordinary detail.
Today, the technique continues to support medical teaching around the world while allowing the public to better understand the complexity of the human body.
What visitors can expect
The exhibition is designed for a broad audience, including students, families with older children, healthcare professionals and anyone curious about human biology.
Visitors can expect to see:
- Around 160 real plastinated human bodies and organs
- Full-body anatomical displays
- Healthy and diseased organs presented side by side
- Exhibits explaining major body systems
- Information about ageing, disease prevention and healthy lifestyles
- Educational displays covering every stage of human development
The average visit takes approximately 90 minutes, although many visitors spend longer exploring the detailed exhibits. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 at Hala IASE on Wystawowa Street.
Why it matters for Wrocław
Hosting BODY WORLDS places Wrocław alongside major international cities that have welcomed the exhibition over the past three decades.
Its location beside the UNESCO-listed Hala Stulecia makes it an easy addition to a day exploring one of the city’s best-known cultural districts, alongside the Pergola, Japanese Garden and Wrocław Zoo.
For schools, universities and medical students across Lower Silesia, the exhibition also provides a rare opportunity to study authentic human anatomy outside a formal laboratory setting. For many visitors, however, the experience is less about science alone and more about gaining a greater appreciation of the human body and the choices that shape long-term health.
Whether you are interested in medicine, biology or simply curious about how the human body works, BODY WORLDS offers an experience that combines scientific understanding with thoughtful reflection.
With the exhibition closing on 11 August 2026, this is the final opportunity to see BODY WORLDS: The Cycle of Life during its Wrocław presentation.
Visitor Information
Exhibition: BODY WORLDS: The Cycle of Life
Venue: Hala IASE, ul. Wystawowa 1, Wrocław
Dates: Until 11 August 2026
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 20:00
Typical visit duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Tickets: Available online and at the venue, subject to availability.
An Unforgettable Educational Experience
BODY WORLDS: The Cycle of Life offers far more than an anatomy lesson. Through authentic specimens, innovative preservation techniques and carefully curated educational content, it invites visitors to better understand the remarkable complexity of the human body and reflect on the everyday choices that influence lifelong health. With its Wrocław run ending on 11 August, now is the final chance to experience one of the world’s most influential science exhibitions.
Read more about things to do in Wrocław here!
