OUR BODY: The Universe Within Exhibition Gives Gulf Coast Audiences a Revealing Look at the World’s Most Complex Machine-- The Human Body

Extraordinary anatomical exhibition featuring real human bodies opens January 11

August 11, 2007
MOBILE, ALA. — OUR BODY: The Universe Within, an awe-inspiring blockbuster exhibit featuring actual human bodies will premiere at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center on January 11, 2008. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the elegant design of the human body’s form and function up-close in an artful, compelling and dignified environment.

In an effort to fulfill mankind’s innate desire to learn more about our very existence, more than 22 million people have been compelled to visit this or similar human body exhibits in major cities worldwide—from London to Beijing to New York. Without exception, human body exhibitions have been the most popular and highly attended shows in the United States during the past three years. The cultural phenomenon has even been documented in several television programs and the latest James Bond movie “Casino Royale.”

“The Exploreum is extremely excited to bring an exhibit of this caliber to the Gulf Coast,” said Michael Sullivan, executive director of the Exploreum. “No other mid-sized market has hosted similar human body exhibits and we are thrilled to present this extraordinary experience to our regional audiences.”

OUR BODY: The Universe Within is an educational exhibit featuring actual human bodies. Spanning more than 7,500 square feet, the inspirational human anatomy lesson is comprised of more than 11 whole-body specimens and 75 anatomical displays that have been preserved through polymer impregnation. This unique process, sometimes referred to as plastination, replaces water and fat with reactive plastics that prevent decay and decomposition while maintaining the integrity of the human specimens—organs, muscles and nerves—down to the microscopic level.

Appropriate for all ages, OUR BODY: The Universe Within literally goes ‘under the skin’ to unveil the splendor of the human body and the systems at work every second of our existence.

Three-dimensional, cross-sectioned views of plasticized human specimens allow visitors an unmatched opportunity to learn more about their own bodies while addressing one of the most pressing areas of concern in the region—healthy living. By comparing healthy versus diseased tissues and organs, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact daily decisions regarding diet and exercise have on quality of life.

In addition to the illuminating specimens on display, OUR BODY: The Universe Within is enhanced by areas devoted to education about the history, art and science of anatomy, ranging from the insights of “The Father of Anatomy,” Vesalius, to the contributions of world renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci. Audiences will discover how the body’s beautiful complexity has influenced generations of artists and scientists.

The Exploreum undertook a very thorough and thoughtful process when considering OUR BODY: The Universe Within for exhibition. Working closely with an Advisory Committee comprised of leading members of the local medical, religious, cultural and educational communities, the museum took counsel on the exhibition’s ethical, social and educational value. After careful consideration and advisement, the Exploreum overwhelming feels that the exhibit has significant educational value and will have a positive impact on the region.

The Advisory Committee also has committed to working closely with the Exploreum to ensure that OUR BODY: The Universe Within is presented in a respectful manner consistent with the Exploreum’s high standards of ethical and scientific integrity.

The exhibit is produced by the Universe Within Touring Company, LLC.

“This exhibit provides the Exploreum with a unique opportunity to educate the community about health and lifestyle choices—a lesson that affects every segment of the population,” Sullivan said. “Through science and technology we can continue to improve quality of life along the Gulf Coast, a worthwhile reason to bring ‘OUR BODY’ to the area.”

OUR BODY: The Universe Within will be on display—seven days a week—through May 11, 2008. Advance tickets are now on sale at the Exploreum Box Office and on-line at www.exploreum.com. Prices are $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (ages 60+) and youth; and $17 for children (ages 2-12). Admission includes access to OUR BODY: The Universe Within as well as the Exploreum’s Hands on Hall, Wharf of Wonder, Minds on Hall, Ciba Lab and Digital Journeys Virtual Theater. For $5 more, visitors can add an IMAX film to their ‘BODY’ experience. The Exploreum will be showing two IMAX films: Wired to Win, a thrilling account of the power of the human brain and The Human Body, a cinematic ‘day-in-the-life’ of the human body that documents the body’s nine life-sustaining systems from morning to night.

For More Information:
Brett Berg 251.208.6852
bberg@exploreum.net
Kristen Dreaper 251.208.6851
kdreaper@exploreum.net