PRESS RELEASE
16 January 2013
World-famous Body Worlds exhibition to Heureka
Reaping acclaim everywhere in the world, the Body Worlds exhibitions display human anatomy, physiology and health by showing real human bodies and organs preserved through the method of plastination. The Finnish Science Centre Heureka is the first to show the exhibition in Finland, from 16 February to 22 September 2013. Thirty-five million people in 70 cities in many countries have already seen the exhibition.
Created by the German doctor Gunther von Hagens, Body Worlds is a unique set of exhibitions where visitors learn about human anatomy by viewing real human bodies and organs preserved through the process of plastination. Dr. von Hagens invented the method of plastination in 1977 when working as anatomist at the University of Heidelberg. In the process of plastination, the fats and fluids in the body are replaced with fluid plastics which make it possible to preserve specimens for medical teaching.
All bodies displayed in the Body Worlds exhibitions have been donated to be used for scientific purposes and to increase public awareness of the complexity of the human body. With the wish that their bodies be used for educational purposes, the donors have given their permission to their bodies being displayed to the public after their death.
“We are extremely proud of being the first institute to show a Body Worlds exhibition in Finland,” says Per-Edvin Persson, Director of Heureka. “The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to look under the skin of human beings and learn a lot about anatomy and physiology.”
The exhibition shown at Heureka, The Story of the Heart, focuses on the heart and its functions. It consists of more than 200 genuine specimens and approximately 20 entire human bodies displayed in various positions. Some of the specimens show health problems that are common even in Finland, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and the harmful effects of smoking. For instance, there is a comparison between healthy lungs and smoker’s lungs. The section about human reproduction, with exhibits showing intercourse and the development of the foetus, is separated from the rest of the exhibition by a curtain. Body Worlds is open to all visitors, regardless of age. We recommend that children under the age of eight visit the exhibition together with an adult.
The main cooperation partner in the Body Worlds exhibition at Heureka is Coxa Hospital for Joint Replacement.
Further information:
Sami Pihkala, Project Manager, tel. +358 (0)40 9015 367, [email protected]
Mikko Myllykoski, Experience Director, tel. +358 (0)40 9015 244, [email protected]
Heli Ainoa, Communications Director, tel. +358 (0)40 9015 295, [email protected]
Photos of the exhibition in Heureka's image bank at http://kuvapankki.info/heureka/info.php
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
16.1.2013
Welcome to the press conference of the exhibition Body Worlds on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10h00.
PROGRAMME:
10.00 Welcome, Director Per-Edvin Persson, Heureka
10.05 Address by the Producer of the Exhibition, Dr. Angelina Whalley, Physician and Curator of the BODY WORLDS exhibitions
10.15 Presentation of the Exhibition, Project Manager Sami Pihkala, Heureka
10.25 Address by the Partner, Head of Research Unit Tarmo Martikainen, Coxa Hospital for Joint Replacement
10.30 Tour of the Exhibition Body Worlds
Press accreditation at the latest on February 14, 2013 at 16h00. Please fill in the form on our web site:
http://www.heureka.fi/portal/suomi/ota_yhteytta/tiedotusvalineille/body_worlds_akkreditointi/
Welcome!
Heureka, the Science Centre is a unique high-level cultural and educational institution that is among Finland’s most popular leisure time destinations. Its mission is twofold: on the one hand the Science Centre performs important educational and public service tasks, and on the other hand it operates in the leisure time market. It is a place for the entire family. Heureka has three exhibition halls for interactive exhibits and a brand new planetarium. Heureka operates in three languages: English, Finnish and Swedish. It is located in the Helsinki metropolitan area, In Tikkurila, Vantaa. Heureka is open around the year. More information: www.heureka.fi
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