When we first stepped into BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, we knew we were in for something unique, but we didn’t expect to walk away feeling so uplifted, inspired, and deeply moved. Located just off Queen Street in the Myer Centre, this world-famous exhibition is more than just an exploration of the human body. It’s a poetic journey into what it means to be human—physically, emotionally, and philosophically. Through real human specimens preserved through Gunther von Hagens’ groundbreaking plastination process, BODY WORLDS celebrates not only the complexity of the body but the joy of being alive. Check out our full review below.
A journey that begins with the brain
The experience starts, quite fittingly, with the brain—the seat of thought, emotion, and memory. Cross-sections of actual brains greet visitors, some healthy, others altered by disease. Here, you begin to understand the delicacy of the organ that powers your thoughts and shapes your personality.
Right from the beginning of the experience we were captivated by accompanying quotes taken from philosophers, poets, and spiritual texts from across the world. Each of them prompt quiet reflection: What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be happy? BODY WORLDS dives deep into these questions, threading the concept of happiness throughout its sections. From the chemicals that influence our moods to the social bonds and lifestyle choices that shape our well-being, it’s a multi-sensory exploration of joy, fulfillment, and connection.
The human body revealed
The first full-body plastinate we encountered was The Chess Player, seated in eternal contemplation. It’s a striking display—every muscle and tendon on show, the perfect intersection of mind and body. Right after is The Basketball Player, caught mid-dribble.
From there, the exhibition flows into the cardiovascular system. Here, one of the most breathtaking displays awaits: a heart shown not as a solid organ, but as a delicate lattice of veins and capillaries. Suspended in space, it seems almost too fragile to believe, a miraculous engine that powers everything we do.
One of the most talked-about models, The Fencer, is divided into three distinct vertical slices, offering a stunning look at the complexity of our internal structures. It’s like seeing a living anatomy textbook—but one imbued with a bit more artistry and reverence.
The science of happiness
As you continue, the exhibition turns toward the internal forces that shape us. A section dedicated to centenarians—people who’ve lived over 100 years—shares their personal philosophies on staying healthy and happy. Their words are simple and powerful and affirmed that the science of happiness is as much about community and perspective as it is about neurotransmitters.
That said, BODY WORLDS doesn’t shy away from the biological side of things. There’s a fascinating look at the digestive system, from nutrient absorption to obesity, and an exploration of hormones like dopamine and oxytocin that influence everything from love to stress.
A miracle grain of rice
One of the most humbling exhibits is a wall filled with grains of rice—each one representing a sperm cell. Only one red grain stands out, representing the single sperm that carried the DNA that made you. It’s a simple display with a powerful message: the odds of your existence are astronomically small, yet here you are.
Nearby, you’ll find two more plastinated figures—The Hurdler and The Ice Hockey Player—celebrating the dynamism of sport and the joy of movement. There’s a whole section devoted to reproduction as well, delicately handled and educational, reminding us again of the miracle of life.
What will you do before you die?
At the end of the exhibition, you’re invited to write on a giant wall: “Before I die, I want to…” Visitors from all walks of life have left heartfelt responses, some funny, some wistful, some deeply personal. It’s a collective meditation on purpose and desire—your final reminder of how precious life is.
Before you exit, there’s an explanation of the plastination process itself—a method pioneered by Dr. Gunther von Hagens to preserve bodies in extraordinary detail for educational and emotional impact.
Our visit to BODY WORLDS was eye-opening, heart-expanding, and unexpectedly joyful. It doesn’t just show you the body; it invites you to marvel at it, to respect it, and to cherish every breath you take. If you’re in Brisbane, we genuinely can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave feeling a little more in love with life. Get your tickets here.
